Obituary: Jean Bradshaw Boyce

Jean Bradshaw Boyce Author - Lyricist Jean Bradshaw Boyce, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 26, 2006. Jean was born May 19, 1917 to Jennie Chipman and Floyd S. Bradshaw. She spent a happy childhood in Salt Lake City, graduating from East High School and the University of Utah. In college she met Alma H. Boyce through mutual friends, and they were married September 2, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. During World War II the Boyces lived in Oregon, Alabama and Florida, where Alma was serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps. After their return to Salt Lake, they built a home on Berkeley Street where they have lived for almost 60 years. Here they raised their four children (Carolyn, David, Barbara and Steven), and actively participated in the LDS Church's Parley's First Ward. Jean served as Relief Society president, taught lessons for eight years, was MIA speech and drama director in the ward and stake. She was a Beehive House guide, president of Beta Theta Pi mother's club and secretary of Delta Delta Delta mother's club. For 35 years the Boyces were active members of the Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club, playing weekly tennis with friends during those years. They had wonderful friends and belonged to several groups that lasted over 50 years. During that time they traveled extensively, but their greatest joy was their home and family. Many audiences enjoyed Jean's book reviews, which were shared for over 20 years. She wrote programs, road shows, tributes, histories and songs for numerous occasions. Her most noted song, "I Love America," was published by Carl Fischer, Inc, N.Y. to Peter J. Wilhousky's musical arrangement of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was performed throughout the country, including a Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where Jean was an honored guest. A nationally published author, her verses frequently appeared in magazines and newspapers. Five books of her light verse were published, four of them illustrated by Bil Keane, creator of syndicated cartoon "The Family Circus." Her interest in genealogy led her to publish three treasured books of family histories. Optimistic, organized and creative, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of five, all of whom will miss her greatly. A son, Steven, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband Alma, daughters Carolyn MacKenzie (Ian R.), Barbara Timothy Bowen, son David B. Boyce (Julie), brother Howard C. Bradshaw (Afton), sisters Dorothy Watkins, Marjorie Taylor and Faye Davis. The family expresses grateful appreciation to the caregivers at Hospice Alliance and Brighton Gardens. Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at Parley's First Ward, 2350 South 2100 East, SLC 10 a.m. viewing; 11 a.m. funeral. Interment at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC.