WORCESTER/HARDWICK: Kaye (Petersen) Boothman, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with her family by her side. Her husband, Donald Boothman predeceased her in 2016. She is survived by her sons: Glenn Styron of Long Beach California and Rodrick Styron of Seattle Washington; her stepdaughters: Barbara Grofic and her husband Barry of Maryland and Laura Stamm and her husband Mark of Hawaii; her grandchildren: Dylan Styron of California, Kelsea Styron of Nevada, Pearl Marie Styron and Morgan Styron of Washington; great grandchildren: River Styron and Mordecai Arric Dylan Styron; her sister, Lois Huffman of Silver Lake, Washington along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her sister Claire Purnell and her first husband Douglas Styron predeceased her.

Kaye was born in Minneapolis, MN the daughter of the late Ralph P. and Frances L. (Oltman) Petersen. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and settled in Northport and Centerport, Long Island, NY where she raised her sons. She was a successful real estate agent working with Merrill-Lynch and Gravel Real Estate for many years. Kaye was a talented gardener, painter, and knitter. When living in Hardwick, she and Donald raised llamas, and they were founding members of the Friends of the Stone Church in Gilbertville, Massachusetts, along with good friend Mary Warbasse and other community members, a cause she was active in until her passing. She was an amazing athlete who enjoyed sailing in her earlier years and playing tennis into her 80’s (winning Hardwick Fair tournaments frequently). All who knew and loved Kaye will miss her dearly.

All are invited to celebrate Faye’s life on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm at The Stone Church Cultural Center, 283 Main Street, Gilbertville, MA 01031. Burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to The Friends of the Stone Church.