Gail Bright Boyce, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, surrounded by family, love, and the art and nature she cherished. An artist, quilter, and spiritual soul, she filled her world with color, generosity, and joy.

Born in 1938 in New York City to Edgar and Violet Bright, Gail was raised on Long Island and later attended Muskingum College in Ohio before studying at the Katherine Gibbs School in New York City.

A lifelong lover of art and creator, Gail expressed her creativity through quilting, painting, drawing, weaving, and home design. Her quilts, vibrant with color, pattern, and imagination — were treasured gifts to family and friends. She drew inspiration from fabrics and art from around the world, transforming each piece into something joyful and original.

Her artistic sensibility extended into her home, which she shared with her beloved husband, Rob Boyce. Together, they turned their Manchester home overlooking the river into a light-filled gallery of art, architecture, and love — a place that reflected their shared creativity.

A deeply spiritual woman, Gail explored many faiths and philosophies, studying metaphysics and world spirituality long before it was mainstream. She found wisdom in the teachings of Buddha and Christ, and explored spirituality from writers such as Paramahansa Yogananda, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ram Das, Deepak Chopra and other contemporary authors. She lived by the belief that love and beauty multiply when shared. The poem “Stealing Lilacs” by Alice N. Persons, especially resonated with her, not only because lilacs were her favorite flowers, but its closing line “There is enough for everyone,” captured a truth she deeply understood.

Gail was resourceful and managed to make miracles happen and always gave with a generous heart to friends, family and those in need. She often told the story of Jesus with the fish and the loaves — that the more you give away, the more you receive — and she lived that lesson.

Her creativity also found its way into the kitchen. A true foodie and gourmet cook, she was known for her signature dishes and baked goods – from pies to lemon bars – everything she made was infused with love and care.

Above all, Gail adored her grandchildren. She delighted in celebrating their birthdays, graduations, and milestones, often traveling to be with them, baking their favorite treats, and filling their lives with the same warmth and color that defined her own. Her love for them — and theirs for her — was one of her life’s greatest joys.

In New Hampshire, Gail worked for many years as an administrative assistant and legal secretary, and her colleagues remember her for her professionalism, warmth, and creative spirit.

She is survived by her husband Rob Boyce; her children Christine Kraeger, Kurt Kraeger, Cynthia Nagrath, and Eric Kraeger; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held in late spring around the time the lilacs bloom. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to plant a lilac bush in her memory — a living reminder that those we love live on in the things they loved, and in the light and beauty they leave behind.

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