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Edna D. Boyd of Sarasota, Florida, known to family and friends as “Hedy,” died on August 29 at Bay Village of Sarasota, from complications of a stroke. She was 88.
Born June 11, 1928, in Southampton, to C. Edwin Dimon and Eugenia (Mallery) Dimon, she shared her childhood on the family farm with her older sisters, Dorothy and Carolyn, and her younger brother, Charles. Known as a young girl as “Eddie,” she gratefully took her sister Carolyn’s advice to switch nicknames as a teen. She attended Vesper George School of Art in Boston and graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in ceramics. Her love of art enriched her entire life, survivors said. The family potato farm was her heart’s home even as she eventually wintered and then moved south to be near her daughters.
Survivors said Ms. Boyd loved people, particularly her family and friends, but her smile and welcome were offered freely to everyone she met. She led a life of devoted service to her parents, husband, family and community.
Her childhood friend-then-sweetheart, Harold E. Boyd (Hal), became her husband on June 24, 1950. After a brief residence in Levittown, they raised their two daughters and were devoted members of the local communities of Southampton and Bridgehampton, where Hal was an officer at Bridgehampton National Bank, until his death in 1998.
Ms. Boyd was employed first as a kindergarten teacher, then in design and administration at Hildreth’s Department Store. Her love for animals later found an outlet through her work at Olde Towne Animal Hospital in Southampton. After retirement, she and her husband had an antiques shop in Bridgehampton.
Volunteering in the community was her passion. For decades, she supported the volunteer missions of many organizations including the First Presbyterian Church of Southampton, Southampton Hospital, the Parrish Art Museum, Southampton Historical Museum, the Thomas Halsey Homestead restoration and the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. She gave blood regularly until in her early 80s. One of her proudest accomplishments was founding and facilitating the local Parkinson’s Disease support group, through which she offered her love, support and deep knowledge to so many. Her volunteerism continued in her adopted home and community at Bay Village.
She is survived by two daughters, Amy Boyd of Sarasota, and Cecile “Wendy” Klayton and husband Barry of Virginia and Sarasota; three grandchildren, Sara M. Klayton and husband Joshua Trein of Virginia, Daniel L. Klayton and fiancée Angela Cross of Washington, and David E. Klayton of Virginia; four nieces, Jeanne P. Curran-Sarto of Maine, Sasha M. Curran of Massachusetts, Suzanne St. Claire of Pennsylvania, Fawn Proctor of Pennsylvania; a nephew, C. Douglas Dimon of Southampton; a cousin, Charlton Halsey and wife Nancy of Water Mill and Greenport; as well as great-nephews and great-nieces; and great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces. She is remembered by many friends, including those at her senior residence, especially friend and neighbor Don Burgett.
Ms. Boyd’s ashes will be buried in Southampton at a later date. A memorial service took place in Sarasota on September 3.
on Sep 19, 2016