Obituary of Myrtle Boys

For livestream of the Celebration of Myrtle's life click here

Myrtle May Boys (nee McLeod), RN
1934-2024

Peacefully in Ottawa on June 12, 2024.

Kindness, laughter and love are Myrtle's legacy. Predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) L. Boys. She is deeply and forever missed by her 3 daughters - Judy Kemp (Randy), Linda Mackay (Robin) and Anne Boys-Hope (Paul), her 7 grandchildren - Eric, Emily, Molly, Ian, Emmett, Madeline and Sarah. Her first great-grandchildren, Fiadh and Ludvig, arrived just in time to meet her.

Myrtle was born in Pointe-Saint-Charles, Montreal, cherished daughter of Raymond and Gladys (nee Clarke) McLeod and sister to 4 brothers - Raymond (Jessie), Sterling (Grace), Carmen (Janet) and Norman (Pearl). Loving daughter-in-law to Richard Lawrence Boys and Dora Bedford Boys; sister-in-law to Kathryn (Alan) Labaune, Jim (Florence) Boys and Joan (Hugh) Barclay. Missed by her wonderful friends Betty Morell, Marnie Baird, Mildred MacPhee, Anne Wardrop and cousin Margaret (George) Watson, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Myrtle's early years were spent in the loving embrace of her parents. She enjoyed $1 banana splits with Poppa every Sunday, summer holidays at the farm in Morin Heights and working as a camp counsellor at Camp Perrot and Camp Oolahwan.

Myrtle trained as a Registered Nurse at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This experience left a lasting impression and commitment to the importance of bedside care. She had great fun living in residence where she made many friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After graduating in 1956, Myrtle moved to Bermuda to work at the King Edward Hospital. She married the dashing Bob Boys in 1960 and devoted herself to raising their 3 daughters. She continued her nursing career in Brockville, Montreal and Ottawa, where she worked in the CHEO emergency room for 15 years. She loved working with children and treated each one like they were her own. In her daughters' eyes, she was a hero - working all night and then coming home to pack school lunches and hand-stitch so many beautiful Halloween costumes and prom dresses.

Bob and Myrtle made a great team. He took her sailing on their first date, the first of many nautical adventures to come. They built a family cottage on Charleston Lake, travelled the world and made many dear friends along the way.

A proud grandmother, she was a constant and loving presence - hosting celebrations, going to all the school plays and tending to countless bruised knees and broken hearts.

Myrtle's home was always full of good food, laughter, music and so much love. Everyone was welcomed with a big smile and a hot cup of tea. The queen of happy hour, her sparkle was infectious. Myrtle faced life's inevitable hardships with strength, humour and love.

Mom, we love you to the moon and back.

To all the wonderful angels who cared for Myrtle in her final years: thank you!

A celebration of life to be held on August 8, 2024 at Highland Park Cemetery Carp from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donations in her memory to the Dementia Society (Ottawa and Renfrew County) or your favourite charity.

"In memory of our loved one and out of care for each other, we kindly ask that you consider taking COVID precautions during the service. Masks will be available at the entrance for those who wish to use them. If you are ill, and can't attend, we invite you to watch the online service. We appreciate your understanding as we gather to honor and remember."