Christine Laura Boyce, 66, departed this life on Jan. 7, 2014 at her home in Gulf Shores under the care of Covenant Hospice and comfort keepers.
A resident of Gulf Shores and native of St. Louis, Mo., Chris was the daughter of Sam and Stella (Kutrip) Russo, second generation Americans with ancestral roots as tenant farmers in Italy and Poland.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband and lifetime partner of 46 years, Gary Boyce; three sons, Gregory Boyce of Philadelphia, Pa. and Matthew Boyce and David Boyce of St. Louis, Mo.; one grandson, Jack Boyce; two sisters, Vita Collins and Jean Spence; and one brother, Sam Russo Jr.
Chris attended Bishop Du Bourg High School in St. Louis, and graduated with honors from Florissant Valley Community College, majoring in data processing.
During college she interned with Wetterau Inc., and later Chris accepted a position with the GMAC Insurance Company and was assigned to the Y2K project as a programmer.
She and Gary retired in October 2000 and relocated from Florissant, Mo. to the beautiful white sand beaches of Alabama.
Chris and Gary soon became involved in local charitable endeavors, including Habitat for Humanity.
Chris was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, and served regularly as a Eucharistic minister, and was an active member of the Cotton Creek Ladies Golf Association.
Chris was a very special person with an endearing personality, which cultivated many friendships. She had strength of character and an abiding faith, which fortified her in her final days.
Even in her rapidly deteriorating condition, her thoughts and concerns were for others. Her courage was an inspiration to her many friends who knew and loved her.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Gulf in Gulf Shores on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, with the Very Rev. Paul G. Zoghby officiating.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by the Mass at 11.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of your choice.
Interment will be in Pine Rest Memorial Park in Foley.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
