Joan Elaine Tighe died peacefully on Sunday, August 9th, 2026 at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale, MA. Joan was born in New York City to the late Charles Tighe and Natalie (Newbery) Tighe. Joan attended Convent of the Sacred Heart, a private all-girls school in Manhattan, attained a bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College in Norton, MA, and two masters degrees, one in Theology and Social Change at Goddard Cambridge Graduate School and the other at Boston University School of Social Work. She was a member and leader at Church of the Covenant in Boston since 1973. After college, Joan lived in Boston’s South End before moving to her home in Dorchester.
For decades, Joan worked tirelessly to create greater justice and equity, for all people, in our city and beyond. She served in many leadership roles. As the Chair of Tent City Corporation, she collaborated with her friend, Mel King, and many others, to ensure that housing would be constructed on vacant land in the South End. In 1988, 269 units were built and named Tent City. Early in her career, Joan served as Executive Director of Alliance for Young Families which educated young women in order to reduce and prevent teen pregnancy. She was instrumental in the founding of 9 to 5, the National Association of Working Women.
Later, Joan advised and collaborated with Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and other organizations to substantially increase transportation options for underserved communities in Boston. The result was the expansion and improvement of the Fairmount Line. Joan rode on the train with Governor Deval Patrick and other dignitaries on the initial run of the new service.
Joan advocated for the preservation of artists’ housing and studios in the city. She was a revered leader in Uphams Corner where she lived for over 40 years and served as President of the neighborhood association. She engaged in countless other community building activities. She was honored many times by local organizations and elected leaders, yet she never sought the spotlight. Joan was modest in manner and powerful in effect.
Joan made time to travel widely and to enjoy social occasions and holidays with friends and chosen family. Joan was beloved by many members of her church and a wide community of colleagues, neighbors and loved ones.
Joan is survived by her godchildren, Rachel Day Wiley of Ewing, NJ, Daniel Day of Nantucket, MA and longtime friends, Mocky and Brad Day, Marnie Warner and rosi olmstead of Boston, MA.
An occasion for remembrance and celebration is planned for October 18th, 2026 at noon at Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. Reception to follow. Donations may be given in Joan’s memory to the Church of the Covenant (cotc.org) or to the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (dbedc.org).
