Ruth F. Boland, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly a long-time resident of Cambridge and Duxbury, died Jan. 16.  She was 100.

Ruth F. Boland, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly a long-time resident of Cambridge and Duxbury, died Jan. 16.  She was 100.

A Cambridge native, she graduated from Cambridge High and Latin, Lesley Kindergarten School and Boston University.  She earned a master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College, and a doctorate from Harvard University School of Education.

Ms. Boland retired as director of the bureau of pupil services for the Cambridge school department in 1970.  Several of the programs she implemented while director gained national recognition.  She remained keenly interested in the progress of the Cambridge school system throughout her life.

The evolution of Lesley Kindergarten School to today’s Lesley University was a source of special pride.  She served on the board of trustees for many years and was voted trustee emerita in 2003.  She was also a member of the Lesley Corporation.

Ms. Boland traveled extensively, and at age 80, took a trip around the world.  She was an avid golfer and sports fan and truly enjoyed her retirement, living independently until her recent brief illness.  She was also a life-long advocate for the education of the mentally challenged.

Ms. Boland leaves her sister-in-law, Dorothy Herrick; niece, Elizabeth Merry, grandniece, Natalie Merry all of Duxbury; and grandniece, Gwenn Merry-Heikes and her children, Elaina and Daniel, of Pine Bluff, Ariz.  She was the sister of the late Arthur Boland and Sr. Dorothy Boland, S.P.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, Duxbury, Friday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Families in Crisis Fund, Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont St., Duxbury, MA 02332.