Janet E Deutsch's Obituary
The poet Robert Frost wrote "I took the road less travelled by, and that has made all the difference". And so it was for Janet Marie Eddy Boyd Deutsch-- daughter, sister, wife and mother-- but also trail blazer, designer, entrepreneur and humanitarian, who passed away at her home of 46 years in Plantation, FL on Saturday, August 30, 2014, in the company of her family. She was 85.
At a time when most young mothers filled the role of 1950's homemaker, Janet did all of that and more. She turned her hobby of making jewelry for family and friends into a coast-to-coast business, creating custom designs for the gift shops of tourist attractions, zoos and aquariums. In doing so, she broke through many glass ceilings, including that of Walt Disney World, where she won the contract to design and supply official Disney jewelry and gifts from their opening in 1971.
By 'taking the road less travelled', she visited places, met people and had experiences she otherwise would not have had. In her final days, Janet stated that she had done all she wanted to do and had no regrets.
Born in New Brunswick, NJ to Marie Hoagland and Royle Eddy, "Jamie" graduated from Douglass College (Rutgers), married Air Force pilot and civil engineer Robert Boyd and settled in Walpole, MA. After divorce, she and her four children relocated to Plantation, FL, where she continued to grow her original line of jewelry, Boyd Designs, and expanded into several business ventures. Janet married photographer Richard Deutsch in 1983. Janet Boyd Deutsch is survived by her daughters Diana Clark of Hinesville, GA, Beth Drake (Frank) of Portsmouth, NH, Barbara Boyd of Pompano Beach, FL and son Alan Boyd (Laura) of Windham, NH along with Judi Mittelberg (Joel) of Southwest Ranches, FL and Harold Deutsch (Anne) of Hickory, NC. She also leaves behind twenty grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Janet is survived by sisters Dorothy Peterson of Bridgeton, NJ, Eleanor Eddy of Davenport, FL, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard Deutsch (2010) and younger sister Roberta Papcun.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Levitt-Weinstein/Beth David Chapel, 3201 N. 72nd Ave., Hollywood, FL. 33024. (954-963-2400). Interment will follow at Beth David Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Foundation of America (hospicefoundation.org), National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) or Humane Society (humanesociety.org).
Arrangements entrusted to Levitt Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 8135 West McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321 954-721-2500.
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