Mary Elizabeth Boehl

Mary Elizabeth Boehl passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston surrounded by her loving family. She lived 86 joyful years. Mary was born in Jamaica Plain, MA to the late Walter and Mary (Bernard) Smith on October 27, 1939. Mary was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes School in Jamaica Plain, Saint Mary of the Assumption High School in Brookline, and Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge, MA.

Mary was the beloved wife of Walter Boehl of Westwood, MA (originally Mannheim, Germany) for nearly 62 years. She and Walter met dancing at the Boylston Schul Verein (German Social Club) in Jamaica Plain. They married on January 25, 1964 and honeymooned in Germany where Mary was introduced for the first time to many of Walter’s family members. It was there she also learned to cook and bake German specialties that became staples for the stateside Boehl family. In 1968 they moved from Jamaica Plain to the home they built together in Westwood where they went on to raise three children. Walter cared for Mary with love and devotion through all the years they shared.

Mary loved the quiet and peacefulness of her home in Westwood, and her flower gardens there. She found joy in gardening, especially tending to her giant impatiens flowers. Some of her happiest moments were spent in Lido Key, Sarasota - a place that held a special place in her heart. She loved to enjoy her strong coffee on the balcony while feeding the wild Snowy Egrets against the wishes of condo management. Her dogs were her cherished companions and part of her family. She would think nothing of going through the McDonald’s drive thru for a hamburger for her dog. Her hair was always short and neatly styled, and she rarely went out without her signature red lipstick and Estee Lauder perfume. Her favorite season was Fall and she loved visiting farms to purchase apples and pumpkins, and to admire the foliage.

If you asked Mary what brought her the most joy in her life, she would say that it was her family. Her pride and happiness came from her family, especially the lucky few who called her “Oma.” Mary loved sharing their accomplishments with a sparkle in her eye. Education mattered to her, especially when it came to her children and grandchildren. With determination and a bit of fun, she made sure her children and grandchildren knew all the US States and their capitals- turning this into a lasting memory. If one of her grandchildren mentioned they enjoyed a particular treat, you can be sure it was stocked at her house for when they visited. As of late, she enjoyed taking drives with Walter to Pawtuckaway Lake, New Hampshire where lots of family time was spent over the years, as well as to Jamaica Plain to reminisce.

Mary was the loving mother of Erika Joyal of Marshfield, MA, Werner Boehl and his wife Joanne of Scituate, MA, and Walter Boehl and his wife Laurie of Westwood, MA. Mary leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Kayla Joyal of Marshfield, MA, Ben Joyal and his wife Natalie of Marshfield, MA, Olivia Boehl of Scituate, MA, Max Boehl and Lorien Boehl of Westwood, MA and two great grandchildren, Benjamin and Amalia Joyal. She was the sister of Phyllis and the late Robert Bowlen, the late Walter Smith and his surviving wife Julie, the late Frances McHugh and her husband John, and the late Ann Curran and her husband Thomas. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, and the many small but meaningful ways she made life better for those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Schultz’s Guest House Dog Rescue Shelter, 13 Burgess Lane, Dedham, MA 02026 or directly on their website sghrescue.org would be appreciated. Mary’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Brigham & Women’s Hospital.

A private service will be held at a later date and the burial will take place at the Westwood Cemetery.