Shirley V. Boyce, a resident of Mt. Dora, FL, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in West Arlington, VT, Shirley was the daughter of Curnel D. Vaughn and Prudence H. Vaughn. Educated in the one-room school house directly across from "the Green" (and adjacent to the well known red covered bridge), Shirley often noted that everything she ever needed "was in the home or right outside our front door." She loved her neighbors, the church near the Green, and the "Battenkill Farm," the latter a special place where she and her self-reliant siblings learned not only the value of arduous work but the pride of honest living. An avid high school athlete, Shirley excelled in basketball, field hockey, softball, and was also a cheerleader. While the primary reason she attended Castleton State College was to obtain a teaching degree, she left with much more, the gentleman she fell in love with (Charles), a strong companion with whom she shared 67 years of marriage.

Shirley spent thirty years as a third-grade teacher. Employed in Forestdale, Arlington and later in Manchester, Shirley respected her career choice, not just the wonderful children but the many kind and thoughtful peers with whom she made cherished memories. An accomplished gardener, Shirley enjoyed a plentiful harvest, always insisting to share her successful bounty of fruits and vegetables. Shirley and Charles raised three children in East Arlington. Together, they enjoyed the outdoors: birding, cross-country skiing, Jeeping along mountain terrain and memorable snowmobile rides "up on the Kelly Stand."

Upon their respective teaching retirements, they were no longer content being part-time snowbirds and in 1998 they made Florida their permanent home. While they missed the Green Mountains, they quickly flourished in Florida. Best friends, and competitive by nature, "the Vermonters" quickly honed new skills and enjoyed long days of golf, shuffleboard, bocce, and bridge. Together, they traveled extensively, making new memories and lasting friendships wherever they landed. Being around people and appreciating the joy of a shared laugh, Shirley endeavored to make every moment special. While there are many people who will miss her laugh and quick wit; an equal number will remember a deep and gentle kindness reserved for those in need. Always eager to help, Shirley was a devoted volunteer who, for decades, lead fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Aside from spending time with family, her greatest joy was donating to worthy charities.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband Charlie, faithful companion and "best friend." She also leaves behind two children, William and wife Melanie who reside in Dayton, OH and Nancy LaCross and husband Ivan of Holly Springs, NC. In addition to numerous nieces and nephews, Shirley leaves three grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Eric LaCross, Nathan, and Noah Boyce.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws (George P. Boyce and Mary E. Boyce of Poultney), her eldest daughter Jean, her sisters Janice Coley, Millicent Cross and twin sister Charlotte Collamer as well as her brother, Millard Vaughn.

Private services will be held in Poultney, VT at a later date.