Martha Boyce

Martha Jean Boyce passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2025, after fighting a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was 74.
She was born on December 21,1950 in Baltimore, MD to Jesse and Blanche Sadler. She met the love of her life Garry Boyce Sr. in Norfolk, VA in 1971 and they married in 1972. They spent the majority of their lives in Howells, NY, raising 3 children.
She stayed home with her children for many years, however the term homemaker doesn't do her justice. The term domestic engineer is more appropriate and she took this job seriously. She took cleaning and organizing to a whole new level. Her home was spotless from floor to ceiling. Her close family and friends knew the term "Jean Clean" very well.
She was a culinary master, cooking homemade meals every day. It brought her great joy to cook for her family, from her famous chicken and dumplings to her delicious lemon meringue pie. She would spend many hours in her sewing room making curtains for the home and clothes for her children. She would often be outdoors tending to her vegetable garden or her menagerie of pets. Martha had a passion for creative writing, specifically poetry, and became the director of the Writer's Workshop at SUNY Orange, formerly the Orange County Community College. She spent years working in the office of the family business, Boyce Excavating.
She was deeply spiritual, living her life with steadfast faith in God, which was inspiring to all around her. She had unwavering kindness and generosity. Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, pouring endless love, energy and joy into every moment with them.
She is survived by her daughters Tracy Galasso (Patrick) of North Charleston, SC and Brandi Aquino (Thomas) of Westtown, NY; her daughter in law Erin Boyce of Mount Hope, NY; grandchildren Brandon Whyte (Melody), Chelsea Galasso, Christopher Galasso, Tyler Boyce, Madison Boyce, Logan Aquino and Riley Aquino; siblings Jessica Gunn, Lynnette Matsinger, Erma Mary Lapinski as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by her parents Jesse Sadler and Blanche Pettie, her sister Maggie Merkel, her brother Joseph Sadler, her cherished son Garry Boyce Jr. and her devoted husband of 53 years Garry Boyce Sr. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha, please visit our floral store.