Karen Kelly Boyce

Karen Kelly Boyce, 72, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer at the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton, NJ. Born in Jersey City in 1952 to Edward and Catherine (Walsh) Kelly, she later moved to Woodbridge, NJ, where she attended St. James School and Woodbridge High School. Karen was a devoted wife to Michael Vincent Boyce; together they spent over 40 years in Jackson, NJ, before relocating to Stewartsville. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, retired nurse, and esteemed author.

As a graduate of Middlesex County College with her degree in Nursing, she served as a Registered Nurse for over two decades. Karen went on to publish numerous books inspired by her Catholic faith. She was honored with the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval, a recognition of both her literary talent and spiritual depth. Her published works include Into the Way of Peace, Down Right Good, and her most celebrated series, Sisters of the Last Straw. With a devoted fan base that spanned children and adults alike, she also dedicated time to visiting elementary schools, teaching students the craft of writing and encouraging them to become authors.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Michael Vincent Boyce of Stewartsville, NJ; her two children, Amanda (Ditchik) of Cranford and Michael of Stewartsville; her sister, Norene (Kelly) Heffner of Jackson, NJ; and her grandchildren, Conner Ditchik (16) and Kaitlyn Ditchik (13) of Cranford, NJ, and was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Edward Kelly and Michael Kelly.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at the Finegan Funeral Home at 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 16, at 10:30 am at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 80 Main Street, Bloomsbury, NJ 08804. The interment will be at the Greenwich Cemetery in Greenwich Township, NJ.