Armida M. Boyd

Armida Boyd was born in East Chicago, Indiana, on December 19, 1932, to Transcito and Juana Valadez. Armida grew up in East Chicago, Indiana with her brothers and sisters, before her family relocated to Chicago. Armida attended Kelly High School and upon graduation, she entered the workforce and was employed as a waitress at Stouffer's Restaurant, at their flagship location in downtown Chicago, for several years. Stouffer's would remain a staple in Armida's life; at this restaurant, she worked with her dear sister, Feve "Faye" Ruiz, and where she’d later meet her future husband, James Boyd, who worked there too as a butcher and cook.

Later, as fate would have it, in a chance encounter, James stopped Armida on the infamous stairwell during work as she was enjoying an ice cream cone on her break when James stopped her, and without missing a beat, asked, “Can I have a lick of your ice cream?” As we say, it was love at first sight, and the rest was history. Armida married James Boyd on December 21, 1957, in a small ceremony in Chicago and moved into their forever home on the south side of Chicago which remained a place of solace, welcoming all family, friends, and pets.

Armida and James then had two daughters, Sandra and Patricia, and years later, their special daughter Brittany entered their lives. As a housewife, Armida accomplished many things during her lifetime. She participated in the protests in Chicago against the injustice and treatment of Mexican American farmworkers in the West. She was also a Girl Scouts Leader and was involved in the PTA at her daughters' schools. Later in life, Armida renewed her spirituality in the Christian faith; she attended prayer groups and was an active member of King's Community Church.

Armida enjoyed watching her family grow, tending to her vegetable garden, and with her adventurous spirit, she made many memories traveling and visiting amusement parks with her children. With her beautiful voice, Armida enjoyed singing around the house and recounted her dreams of becoming an opera singer. With a strong love and belief in God’s words, religion was a constant in Armida’s life. Daily, she read scriptures and remained steadfast in practicing her faith.

Armida passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. She is survived by her beloved children; Sandra M. (Frederick) Boyd, Patricia M. (Roderick) Taylor, and special daughter Brittany D. (Michael) Dillon; cherished grandchildren: Jasmine, Chloe, Andrew, James, and Juan; special grandchildren: Michael, Samantha, and Malcolm; great-grandchild Carter Taylor; brothers: Alfred Valadez and Ernesto (Luzmila) Valadez.

Preceded in death by her parents Transcito and Juana Valadez; her beloved husband of fifty-two years James Boyd, and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home (4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL) with funeral service to begin at 12:00 P.M. Pastor David Scott and Evangelist Sandra Rickette will officiate. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Boyd family.