Arleen N. Boyd

Arleen N. (Wight) Boyd

Arleen N. (Wight) Boyd, of Weymouth, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born and raised in Weymouth, Arleen graduated from Weymouth High School, Class of 1963. She went on to attend the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she began preparing for the career that would define her life.

 Arleen began her nursing career working in nursing homes before spending a short time at Quincy City Hospital. She ultimately found her calling in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where she devoted over 37 years of compassionate service. Throughout her career, she was admired not only for her clinical skill but also for the kindness, strength, and the reassurance she brought to patients and their families during life's most challenging moments.

Arleen was a true survivor who faced every challenge with remarkable determination. Affectionately known by her family and close friends as the "Warrior Queen," inspiring those around her through her resilience, courage, and unwavering positivity. Her generosity knew no bounds, and the countless lives she touched through simple acts of kindness made her a legend to all who knew her.

Arleen shared a special bond with her granddaughter, Imaya. Imaya's devotion to her Meme was unconditional.

Outside of her nursing career, Arleen loved to be covered in dirt working in the garden, no weed was safe. Arleen also belonged to a long-standing book club comprised of her SICU nursing colleagues, all being lifelong friends. She embraced life wholeheartedly, but her greatest joy came from welcoming family and friends to gather around "the pool". Countless memories were made there by all; it was such a special place to her that her and Dick were married on the pool deck followed by a pool party. 

Coming from a family filled with law enforcement, firefighters, and healthcare professionals, Arleen held a lifelong admiration for first responders and those dedicated to helping others. She always liked to know what was happening around her; because she was nosey :) and had her scanner going 24/7.  She always had a smile on face, and no matter what life hit her with, and there was ALOT, she remained a pillar and strength and positivity. 

Arleen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard W. Boyd; her former husband, Bill Leonard; her stepson, Michael Boyd; her brother, Paul Wight; and her nephew, William Finnegan.

Arleen is survived by her loving children, Kristin Leonard of Weymouth, Kimberley Leonard of Weymouth, and Melissa Boyd and her partner, Orlando "OT" Benzan of Weymouth. She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughter, Imaya Leonard of Weymouth; her brother, David Wight and his wife, Barbara, of Weymouth; her niece, Allison (Wight) Akarsu and her husband, Mahir, along with their daughters, Leyla and Hannah Akarsu, all of Weymouth; her cousin, Jean (Cormack) King of Connecticut; her nieces, Lisa (Finnegan) Palacios and her partner, Rich, of Weymouth, Susan (Finnegan) McDonald and her husband, John, of Connecticut, Jennifer (Wight) Blair and her husband, Kevin, of East Bridgewater, and Stacy Wight Danforth and her husband, Aaron, of Middleborough; her nephew, Sean Leonard and his wife, Kristina, of Hanson; and her great-nieces, Lauren Gervais and her husband, Adam, of Hanover, and Samantha Palacios and her fiancé, John Fleming, of Winchester. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former coworkers, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness and compassion.

Arleen often said she wanted glitter combined with her ashes so she sparkles after life like she did in life.  Her family will be honoring this very special request and asks all that wish to bring a small amount of glitter to her service where it can all be placed together so Arleen will sparkle brighter than the stars in the sky!  

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the visitation for Arleen on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the C.C. Shepherd Funeral Home, 134 Pleasant Street (Columbian Sq.), South Weymouth, Massachusetts 02189. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

"A Warrior's Heart has found it's rest, After giving life her very best. Though quiet now, her love remains. A steady light through joy and pain"