GARDINER - Elizabeth Rose Boynton, 72, of Gardiner, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, with her loved ones by her side.

Born in the bustling heart of New York, New York, Elizabeth, affectionately known as Liz, brought warmth and light into the lives of everyone she met. She spent her formative years in the Bronx before moving to Maine in her youth, where she would build a life filled with love, family, and cherished traditions.

Liz attended Cony High School and later earned her Graduate Equivalence Degree, demonstrating her commitment to learning and personal growth throughout her life.

Liz dedicated many years of her career to the banking industry, serving as a supervisor at Key Bank. Her colleagues remember her for her steady presence, her keen attention to detail, and her ability to make even the most mundane tasks feel manageable. She approached her work with the same easy-going nature that characterized all aspects of her life.

Liz was the epitome of a giving and loving spirit. She was often described as a safe space, a second mom and grandmother to many, and was always expecting the best for those around her. Her easy-going demeanor made her natural confidante and a source of comfort. She had a special knack for making everyone feel welcome and loved.

Beyond her professional life, Liz was a woman of many passions. She was an avid quilter, creating beautiful pieces that will be treasured by her family for years to come. Liz spent many hours helping and donating time at Mystic Maine Quilts, sharing her quilting knowledge. She found immense joy in reading, watching television, and playing games.

Liz adored her cats and had a fondness for shopping. She was a true social butterfly, always ready for a chat, and loved nothing more than spending time with her loved ones. Whether it was watching TV together, visiting her children’s camps, boating and chilling on the dock, or engaging in lively games, Liz embraced every opportunity for connection. Her love for lottery scratch tickets was legendary, always bringing a spark of fun and anticipation to her days.

Family was at the core of Liz’s world. She cherished family gatherings and the magic of the holidays, often reminiscing about cousins’ weekends spent at the cottage in Dexter. Her love for her family, especially her grandchildren, was evident in everything she did. If there was a game or performance, Liz could be seen and heard cheering her grandchildren and team to victory. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of family holiday gatherings. These traditions were threads that wove her family together, creating a tapestry of shared memories.

She was predeceased by her parents Irene (Richard) Valliere and Joseph Buda, and her siblings Mary Breton, Jeanette Keefer, and Richard Valliere as well as nephew Casey Chapman.

Liz is survived by her three children, Julie (Ron) Williams, Christopher (Gretchen) Boynton, Jennifer (Seth) Pratt, her grandchildren Kaia, Piper, Reese, and Isaac, her pride and joy.  Special nieces, Adelaide (Cory) Chapman, Theresa (Al) McPherson, Carly (Tim) Clements and nephews Matthew (Nicole) and Andrew (Megan) Pazdziorko who made the cousins' weekend full of memories and shenanigans.  During different phases of Liz’s life, she seemed to find partners in adventures who hold special memories. Mary Alice Boynton and Diane Sanborn were those people to her.

A celebration of life will be held at the fellowship hall at Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, 35 Highland Ave, Gardiner from 2-4 on Thursday, August 20th for all to attend.  A private family graveside will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family requests bright colored clothing to celebrate, rather than mourn.

In lieu of flowers, in true Liz fashion, bring a lottery ticket or many.

The winnings will be divided equally amongst her grandchildren, a gesture that beautifully combines two of her favorite loves.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com