Sandra Mae Boyce

Sandra Mae "Sandy" Boyce, 83, of Wells River, Vermont, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Sandy was born on February 12, 1942, in Bangor, Maine, to Errol Grant and Gertrude (Wood) Grant. She was raised in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School.
Sandy lived a life full of dedication, energy, and public service. She was proud to be the first female Deputy Sheriff of Cumberland County, Maine, and also served as a Deputy Sheriff in Penobscot County. She later worked as the animal control officer in Eddington, Maine. Alongside her beloved husband Stanley, she operated antique shops in both Eddington, Maine, and Wells River, Vermont, for many years. Sandy also served her community as a Justice of the Peace, performing many weddings with joy and care.
Known for her vibrant spirit and deep community involvement, Sandy was a social, welcoming presence in Wells River. She ran the town's welcome center during the summer months, ensured the streets were lined with Christmas trees in the winter and bright flowers in the summer, and was a driving force behind the Fourth of July parade for many years. She was an active member of W.R.A.P. (Wells River Action Program) and hosted many memorable family reunions at her home.
Sandy had a deep love for animals-especially cats-and was rarely without the companionship of both cats and dogs. Her home overflowed with Coca-Cola collectibles and feline-themed decor, a passion that extended to her clothing, too. She was warm, generous, and devoted to her family, always looking forward to visits and time spent together. She cherished her role running the antique store with Stanley and found joy in connecting with others.
Sandy was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Norman Ford (d. 1970), and her second husband, Stanley Richard Boyce, who passed in 1999 after 25 years of marriage.
She is survived by her children Donald Robert Ford and wife Christina, and Laurie Jean Ford, from her first marriage. From her life with Stanley, she is also survived by Steven Mitchel Boyce and his wife Rita, and Lori Robin Boyce (now Lori Robin Tavis) and her husband Michael. Her grandchildren include Phillip Douglas, Nicole Ford, Monica Clark, Steven Blakeley, Wesley Landry, Brock Buchanan, Nickolas Tavis, Joey Tavis, Andrew (Drew) Boyce, and Colby Boyce, along with numerous great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.
Calling hours will be Thursday June 12, 2025 from 5-7PM at Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch St. Woodsville, NH. There will be a graveside service on Friday June 13, 2025 at 1PM at the Boltonville Cemetery, Route 302, Newbury, VT.
"She touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and her memory will live on in our hearts forever."
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