Long Time Scouter Passes Away

DATELINE: Waterbury Center

Isabelle Mae (Brink) Boyce – 80, of Brandon, VT and a former 53-year resident of Waterbury Center died on February 27, 2010 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center after a long illness. She was born on October 27, 1929 in Moretown, VT to parents Clyde Clement Brink and Leola Sis (Culver) Brink. She is survived by her son Dan Boyce and brother-in-law James Boyce, both of Brandon, and her cousin, Irene Culver of Hyde Park. She has several grand and great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Crawford Boyce, her daughter Linda Guptill, and her sister Stella Hovey.

She lived into her 80th year and, while she faced many challenges throughout her life, she overcame most of them. Her life involved serving other people whether working or volunteering.

She worked as a waitress and a cook for many years. Her excellent cooking skills led to new and challenging opportunities for her later in life. She was hired as a cook/site director for senior meal sites in Waterbury and Waitsfield, and then became the Director of the Waterbury Area Senior Citizens Center, a position she served in for over 10 years. She retired in 2002. She was a key leader in growing and running the site, in securing its current location on Stowe Street, and was a very strong advocate for senior citizens. She took great satisfaction in the help and care she was able to provide "her" seniors.

She was a volunteer and/or leader in several organizations over the last six decades: Junior Women' League (President), Unit 55 American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Matron), Grange and Salvation Army; all based out of Waterbury, Vermont. She worked on a countless number of recognition dinners, celebrations, and fundraisers. And she made an amazing number of birthday and wedding cakes.

In 1992 she was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Green Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America in recognition of over 20 years of outstanding service. She worked with the Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop in Waterbury from the late 60’s into the late 1980s. Her son, Dan, achieved the rank Eagle Scout in 1980. She then moved on to serve on the District Advancement Committee as Chair of the Iroguois District Eagle Scout Boards of Review well into the 90s. In 1992 she was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Green Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America in recognition of over 20 years of outstanding service.

Perhaps her greatest honor was being chosen Grand Marshall of Waterbury's Bicentennial Parade in 1976.

Inurnment will take place in the Waterbury Center Cemetery this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Waterbury Area Senior Citizen's Association, 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury VT 05676. To send on-line condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com.