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Betty Jane "BJ" Boyd

Betty Jane "BJ" Boyd obituary

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Toon Funeral Home - Downers Grove CLOSED

4920 Main Street

Downers Grove, Illinois

Betty Boyd Obituary

Betty Jane "BJ" Boyd (nee Menconi), 60, of Downers Grove, IL entered into eternal life on September 16, 2012. Beloved wife of Ken Boyd; loving mother to Nick Boyd and Annie Boyd; and dear sister to Albert Menconi, Joan Voves and Pattie Ruswick, (Earl); dear sister-in-law and aunt and great-aunt to many; daughter of the late John and Geraldine Menconi; and beloved friend and colleague to many around the Chicagoland area. Betty grew up in Chicago, attended St. Felicitas School, Aquinas High School and she received a Bachelor of Art's from Mundelein College. While a student at Aquinas, Betty began a volunteer program for high school students to serve and accompany the elderly living in nursing homes. At Mundelein, she continued to implement this service experience for college students. Upon graduation, AARP, hired BJ to implement her initiative into their national network. Betty and Ken married in 1979. In the early 90's, BJ continued on with her service to others through her role as President of PACES, Parent and Child Education Society. In 1993, BJ founded Consider It Done and in 2001, BJ expanded her business to open a retail store at 5133 Main Street. BJ especially loved when children, from babies to teenagers visited her store. She always welcomed them and created various games for them to play so that they could feel special and empowered. If a child didn't have enough money for a purchase, whatever he or she had was enough. BJ always enjoyed greeting and getting to know her customers, who then quickly became her friends. BJ is remembered by hundreds for her generous love, empathy, wit, and service for others. Viewing services will be at Toon Funeral Home at 4920 Main Street Downers Grove on Tuesday 9/18 from 5-9pm and Wednesday 9/19 from 3-9pm. Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 4801 Main Street on Thursday 9/20 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Programa Velasco, att: Betty Jane Boyd Scholarship Fund, Programa Velasco, PO BOX 601 Downers Grove, IL 60515, www.programavelasco.org. Arrangements by Toon Funeral Home, Downers Grove. Information: www.toonfuneralhome.com or 630-968-0408

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South DuPage Reporter/Progress on Sep. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Boyd

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Gloria Caracello

September 12, 2019

As I wrote in 2012, BJ was a lovely person, fun to be around. It was always fun to go into her store, receive great service with a lot of conversation and laughter. Gloria Caracello, Downers Grove, IL

Richard Vacco Jr.

June 8, 2013

As I was driving down Main Street the other day I noticed the Huge Sale Sign in the window of Consider It Done.
I got a sinking feeling in myself, and asked myself, WHY WAS BJ CLOSING DOWN THE STORE? (I have to get over there and find out why). As I meandered thru the store today I made my way up to the counter and saw all the cards and expressions of sympathy, and I felt sad at learning BJ had passed away. Although I didn't frequent the shop, I would stop by now and then with a drivers ed student to stretch my legs and say hi to BJ. My condolences to the entire family for this sad and difficult loss. (Richard Vacco Jr., driving instructor)

Jan Blum

November 10, 2012

Ken, Nick & Annie,
When Nick and Annie were little, I was a member of PACES. My two sons and I, along with several other moms and kids, formed a playgroup with your beloved mom. Yesterday, my sisters were browsing around downtown Downers' shops, stopping in your mom's store. They talked about the unique and funny items on display. It was mentioned to them that the owner had recently passed away and upon mentioning it to me I immediately thought of BJ. Upon viewing the obituaries this morning, my fears were confirmed. With sadness, I am signing this guest book and want you all to know what a funny, generous and warm-hearted person I knew BJ to be. On behalf of my entire familiy, please accept our sympathy at the passing of your loving wife and mother. I know she is sorely missed.
Jan, Stu, Eric & Scott Blum

David Condon

October 21, 2012

To the Boyd and the Menconi Families:
On behalf of the Condon family; Kathleen, Barbara, Susan, Mary, David and Colleen, please except our deepest condolances at this time. We remember your families from our days at ST. Felicitas and beyond. It was a great parish and neighborhood. The times we shared, the football games, the nuns and teachers, the Little Dell, Stefans Bakery and other items are etched in our memories. We never forget the friends we grew up with and the good times. Let us remember the good times we shared with Betty. She is in our prayers.

Sincerely,

David Condon

JENNIFER SCOTT

October 8, 2012

I WAS FORTUNATE TO MEET BJ AT AQUINAS WHERE SHE MENTORED ME TO WORK AT SOUTH SHORE NURSING HOME I LOVED BEING A CANDY STRIPER. I LATER BECAME A CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT WHICH I STILL DO AND LOVE THANKS TO BETTY FOR HER LOVE OF SENIORS SHE INSPIRED ME AND I LOVE HER FOR THAT .WE LATER BECAME RELITIVES WHEN SHE MARRIED KENNY MY COUISIN .WHAT A SMALL WORLD.THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES BETTY.

Linda Voves-Johnson

September 24, 2012

Dear Boyd/Menconi families, I am so sorry for your loss.
What a great lady Betty was!

Gloria Caracello

September 23, 2012

BJ WAS A LOVELY AND FUN PERSON TO BE AROUND. SHE LOVED HER WORK AND WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP HER CUSTOMERS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY.

Trish O'Shea

September 23, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Betty Jane was a wonderful person. I will miss her smile, sense of humor and kind heart....(Aquinites Class of '70)

Nancy Keegan

September 21, 2012

One less smiling face in Downers Grove a great loss. With sympathy

Burcu Basar

September 20, 2012

I met BJ Boyd and her family back in 1997 when I was an AFS exchange student to Downers Grove living with Ellingsons. Her entire family was very nice to me and they took me to my first Bulls game so I could see Micheal Jordan alive. My second Bulls game was again with them when they again took me to a game during one of my visits to Downers Grove in 2001. BJ Boyd always had a smile on her face and she and her family had definetly left a big mark on my life with their great hospitality. She was from one of those persons who really tried to get to know you in person rather than just making polite conversations. When I heard the news - I could not help crying even though it has been so long since I have last seen her. I will always remember her with her genuine kindness and my heart goes out to Ken, Nick and Annie during this difficult time.

Melanie Murphy

September 20, 2012

BJ's vibrant, friendly personality was very influential in my life during my time in PACES and after. I was saddened and shocked to hear of her passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Ventrelli Family

September 20, 2012

B.J. touched our hearts. Many prayers to Ken, Annie, and Nick with Love.

Glenda Worrell

September 19, 2012

Having served with BJ in PACES many moons ago, I can tell you how devoted she was to her children from the moment they were born and how much she treasured her husband. She worked diligently to help others have healthier families. She loved easily...and was easily loved in return. May the bountiful memories she leaves behind comfort all who can still hear her easy laugh and sweet smile. God bless...

Maryjane Osa

September 19, 2012

Tom and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Ken and all the family. Betty's enthusiasm, her laugh, and her generosity were as visible in first grade at St. Felicitas as they were last week. She blessed us all with her presence. We extend our love and condolences to all.

From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home

September 19, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Dennis Duffner

September 18, 2012

Love ya, Betty! Your presence will be missed by everyone who knew you! Ken, you and the children are in my prayers.

Gabby Pickett McMorrow

September 18, 2012

BJ was a wonderful person and will be missed. Downers Grove lost a wonderful part of our community. My heart goes out to all of her friends and family. We will miss you, BJ.

Laurie Hedlund

September 18, 2012

I will greatly miss BJ. I've been going to her shop for years. She was so fun loving, sweet and kind to me and my kids. While I looked at every cute thing she had in the store, she would entertain my kids by telling them to find the "spills" in her store. We always enjoyed our visits.

God rest her soul. She will be missed by all.

Sharon Sweeney

September 18, 2012

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of B.J. I can't begin to tell you what she has meant to me, my family and our town. We will never forget BJ. She was a loving, compassionate and kind person with a wicked sense of humor! She brought so much joy to so many people. I am certain that your memories will bring you comfort in the coming days. Ken, Annie and Nick, thank you for sharing B.J. with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jonathan King

September 18, 2012

Mrs. Boyd was a big part of my early childhood. Annie was my sister's best friend and I remember when I would attend their annual Easter egg hunt after church. I always felt welcome. Even returning many years later and visiting the store Mrs. Boyd made it seem like I had never left. She will be greatly missed but she is not gone. She will always be here with us to help us along the way as she always did.

Janice and Tim King

September 18, 2012

My family will remember BJ as a wonderful mother. I am grateful that my daughter is friends with Annie. The Boyds are a loving family and BJ will be missed. We send our condolences to all BJ's family.

Danny Biederman

September 18, 2012

Mrs. Boyd leaves an enormous void in the hearts of everyone that was fortunate to know her. Growing up with her kids, Nick and Annie, I'll never forget how Mrs. Boyd was always quick with a kind word and a hug. When I lost my mom three years ago to an illness, Mrs. Boyd was always at the ready to bring over dinner for our family or help in any way she could.

Mr. Boyd, Nick, and Annie, please know you are in my prayers during this time. Let me know how I can help as you grieve.

Dan DiBardino

September 18, 2012

May God welcome BJ Home and bless your family.

Susan Estall

September 18, 2012

My heart goes out to her family. BJ went out of her way in her shop to serve her customers and she did it with love. She made Downers Grove a much friendlier and warmer place with her community minded spirit. She went the extra mile over and over. I will always remember how she was gracious and caring. She will be greatly missed.

Julie Iverson (Aquinas '71)

September 18, 2012

Betty you were always a joy to be with, you always thought of others, you inspired so many people, including me! May you rest in peace.

Jeanne Quinn

September 18, 2012

God bless you and your family.

Steve & Nancy Neuhaus

September 17, 2012

Dear Ken, Nick, Annie and also to the entire Menconi Family,

We are sorry for your loss and so sad to hear about Betty. She was a wonderful person and she will be truly missed. She is with the Lord now and she's at peace. I always enjoyed seeing her when your family visited my sister Deb Moriarty. Betty was always happy and smiling. She had a great sense of humor. Those gatherings will never be the same.

Your family is in our prayers.

God Bless,

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Toon Funeral Home - Downers Grove CLOSED

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