Patch Readers Share Memories of Downers Grove Business Owner BJ Boyd

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

READ: Downers Grove Mourns Loss of Longtime Business Owner BJ Boyd

Boyd opened Consider It Done, 5133 Main St., in October 2000 using the slogan, "Come with Laughs, Leave with Treasures." Prior to opening her store, she made custom gift baskets for seven years out of the basement of Dream Interiors.

As word of Boyd's death spread throughout the Downers Grove community Monday, friends, family and customers took to Patch and Facebook to share their memories.

Consider It Done Facebook page:

It is with deep sorrow and regret that we inform you that BJ Boyd, found and owner of Consider It Done, passed away on Sunday, September 16th after her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends in her home.

BJ wanted to express her gratitude to you, her customers and friends for your loyalty and support over these past 19 years. Loyal customers are the life blood of any buisness and please, trust in knowing that you made a true difference in her life and in Consider It Done. 

We will miss her generous heart, quick wit, and love for life.

Friends/Family of B.J. Boyd:

Joannie Voves, sister: I am proud to say, B.J. is my sister! I only hope that through her example of humor, gentleness, strength and spiritual awareness, I can emulate her more and more throughout my life. I miss you so much, Sissie.

Linda Kunze, Downtown Management Corporation: 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. She was filled with warmth and laughter. She so loved her customers and the ladies who worked in the store with her. The work she did was always from the heart. She was always looking out for the good of the entire downtown, not just her store. Everyone appreciated their time with B.J.

Downers Grove Patch:

Tony Cesare: Her store reflected her personality perfectly; fun and full of life. She will be missed.

Shannon: How very sad this is for so many people. Each time I walked through the doors of her shop, I always hoped she would be there. Her warm smile and her laughter lit up the place! Thanks, BJ, for all of the smiles and laughs you brought to so many people and for all the laughter you brought in to so many homes! You will be missed!

Julie Burke: I'm so sad to hear this news. BJ was one special lady. When I think of her the first word that comes to mind is joy. It readiated from every part of her and the store. She would always greet me by name and with a smile. She was a community treasure, so full of life and happiness. Only she could have created the hilarious store she did. It said everything about her fun personality. Goodbye, BJ. I already miss you.

Cynthia P.: She was always so friendly when you came into her store, which I loved browsing around in! She was always smiling, she will be missed!

David Fisher: So sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers are with her family. She was so sincerely nice to everyone and you could tell that when you walked in her store she had such pleasure in greeting and speaking everyone that came in. She used to show us all the new little gadgets and trinkets she had in stock. It has been, and will be our favorite place to shop in Downers Grove. God Bless you BJ.

Kathleen Wissmiller: B.J. is a friend from the St. Joe's Crusader days. We were room Mom's for our children. Always a laugh and a smile. Then we had a chance to work together doing some catering.....again, always a laugh and a smile. And her kindness was shown when she extended herself to a very dear friend of mine, Lydia, who had Down Syndrome and made some beautiful crafts....B.J. opened her heart and her shop to Lydia and gave her a chance to be her own little business person and sell her creations in the shop. Again, always a laugh, always a smile. Many heartful memories of my dear friend, B.J. Now the heaven's will sparkle with her smile! Miss you ol' friend.

Jennifer Pickett: Downers Grove has lost a wonderful person. My heart goes out to all her friends and family. BJ, we love you and you will be missed.

George S: The first time I met BJ was 7 or so years ago. It was at a meeting and I told her my wife had said she had the neatest little store in Downers Grove. Her eyes lit up and she gave me such a beautiful smile. From time to time I would stop in to say hello. She had such a nice way about her. One Sunday before Halloween I was the clown in the Lions kids Halloween parade. She was standing outside her store as the parade marched by. I gave her a big hello. She looked and looked, not recognizing me at first with clown makeup on. When she finally did, she laughed and smiled. What a very nice lady.

Eileen Kenah: BJ was truly a town treasure. She was one of the few shop owners that loved having the kids in the store. My kids would always want to go in Consider It Done when we were downtown. Sometimes they would get there a few minutes before me and she would always greet them with a smile. I bought so many special and fun gifts for friends and family in her store because she was so welcoming and genuine. She will truly be missed. Her and her family are in my prayers.

Sharon Sweeney: B.J. Was a kind and loving spirit, with a terrific sense of humor. My family and I are deeply saddened by this loss. She will be missed greatly. Thank you to her family for sharing B.J. With the entire community. My prayers are with you.

Downers Grove Patch Facebook page:

Chrissy K.: Thinking of BJ and her family... I didn't even know she was sick.. She was a great super friendly woman and I loved going to her store.

Jacqueline F.: So sorry to hear of her death. She was a wonderful lady! Prayers for her family and friends.

Cindy P.: she was so young, she will be missed for sure. Very friendly lady.

Ernestine B: How sad, I loved going into her store...so did my children...We always found treasure's there..she was so friendly and nice. Prayer's going out to her family and friends, taken too soon......

Joanne F.: Such sad news! She was such a lovely, warm and friendly woman who always greeted me when I was in her store. She and her family are in our thoughts.

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