Lasting Memories

Evangelyn "J" Boice
Sept. 12, 1930-April 11, 2017
Portola Valley, California

J. Evangelyn "Dolly" Boice, 86, died peacefully at Gordon Manor Residential Care Home in Redwood City, CA on April 11, 2017.

Known to her family as Dolly, she was the daughter of Elling O. and Mary N. Iverson and was born and raised in Thief River Falls, MN.

She graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in Thief River Falls in 1948, and the University of Minnesota in 1952 with a B.B.A. in Economics and Business Administration.

During her college years and while working a summer job at Lutsen Resort, she met her future husband and lifelong partner, John, from Minneapolis. They were united in marriage in Thief River Falls on August 8, 1952. After working a few years in Minneapolis, the couple moved to the Bay Area in 1956. After several positions, Dolly joined Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, CA, in 1959. She retired from SRI as Senior Business Manager.

Along the way, while comfortable that her niece and nephews thought she was a secretary, Dolly actually had a TOP SECRET Government Security Classification while working on the study of Naval Anti-air Warfare, Artillery Mobility, Submarine Personnel Costs and Ground- and Air-based Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems.

Dolly and John loved living in the Bay Area and eventually moved into their Portola Valley home in 1964. Their home was a constant source of pleasure for them, as was walking the hills and trails of Portola Valley and Woodside.

The couple was very active and volunteered endlessly for the Woodside Highlands Improvement Club, their homeowners association. They were leaders in working with neighbors during the semi-annual road days and setting up and maintaining an emergency response network for the Highlands and Portola Valley (CEERP).

They lived their lives to the fullest. After retiring, they traveled the world and especially enjoyed African safaris. They loved to hike, cross country ski and camp in the Sierra Mountains. Both loved to watch a variety of sports and for several years were season ticket holders for Stanford Women’s Basketball team. It was indeed a sad day in August of 2015 when the decision was made to move Dolly into a care facility as she continued to battle Alzheimer's dementia.

Dolly was a favorite of many of the staff at Gordon Manor. Her personality and wit attracted workers and volunteers to her. After a weeklong stay at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, CA, as the result of renal failure in early April, she returned to Gordon Manor under Hospice Care, peacefully passing away shortly thereafter.

Dolly is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Lou Boice, Lincoln City, OR, nephews Peter (Emilyn) Iverson, Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines, Scott (Peggy) Iverson, Apple Valley, Keith Iverson, Thief River Falls, niece Karen (Chris) Jenson, Thief River Falls, cousin Marilyn Perasco, Arnold, CA, and the many neighbors and friends of Woodside Highlands, Portola Valley and beyond. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John R. Boice, and brother and sister-in- law Elling T. and Joyce M. Iverson.