Downers Grove Mourns Loss of Longtime Business Owner BJ Boyd

The Downers Grove business community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members.

Betty Jane "B.J." Boyd, owner of the gift shop Consider It Done, died Sunday morning in her home after a seven-month battle with cancer. She was 60.

Boyd opened Consider It Done, 5133 Main St., in October 2000 using the slogan, "Come with Laughs, Leave with Treasures." The store carries gift baskets, whimsical clocks, humorous and inspirational wooden signs, picture frames, outdoor decor, baby gifts and more.

Prior to opening her store, Boyd made custom gift baskets for seven years out of the basement of Dream Interiors.

On Monday, a simple sign informed customers of Boyd's passing: "With sadness and regret, we announce that our dear friend, B.J. Boyd, has passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 16. She will be missed.”

Boyd is survived by her husband, Ken, son, Nick, and daughter, Annie.

Have a favorite memory of B.J. Boyd? Head to the Downers Grove Patch Facebook page to share with the community.

Since joining the downtown business community nearly 12 years ago, Boyd has been an active member of both the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation and the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In 2009, she was honored with a Chamber Choice Award for overall business excellence.

Linda Kunze, executive director of the Downtown Management Corporation, said the entire Downers Grove business community was saddened to hear of Boyd's passing.

"I've known B.J. since she first began making baskets 19 years ago. From the moment I met her, I felt she was a kindred spirit," Kunze said. "She was filled with warmth and laughter. She so loved her customers and the ladies who worked in the store with her."

Boyd served on the marketing committee and the board of directors for the Downtown Management Corporation, Kunze said.

"The work she did was always from the heart," Kunze said. "She was always looking out for the good of the entire downtown, not just her store. Everyone appreciated their time with B.J."

Boyd grew up in Chicago and attended Aquinas High School before earning her bachelor's degree from Mundelein College. She dedicated much of her life to service, particularly through Parent and Child Educational Services (PACES) and a volunteer program she started in high school for youth to serve the elderly.

Visitation will be held at Toon Funeral Home, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"toon-funeral-homes"} -->, 4920 Main St. in Downers Grove, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral will be held at