Joan Elizabeth Murphy, 94, passed away on October 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Joan was born on July 20, 1929 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence Richard and Sarah Harley Murphy. She graduated from Royal Oak High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio.
After college, Joan took her first “dream” job, as an editorial supervisor for Jam Handy Organization, in Detroit, which made training and other specialty films for corporate clients including General Motors. After 10 years with Jam Handy, she moved to Boston where she took her second “dream” job, where she worked until her retirement. There, she was again an editorial supervisor, this time with the Houghton Mifflin textbook publishing company.
Joan was outgoing and had many friends. She enjoyed skiing and traveling, often in the company of friends from college. After retiring from work, Joan became active with the Fenway Garden Society which had begun as a Victory Garden in World War II. She enjoyed the social aspect of having a garden there, in addition to growing vegetables which she readily shared with friends and neighbors.
Joan also became a committed volunteer in her neighborhood, namely with Friends of Christopher Columbus Park. Although very engaged with the group, she took it upon herself to keep the park clean of litter. She became a familiar and cheerful face to park visitors and the homeless alike as she made her nearly-daily rounds.
In 2012 Joan was honored by the Boston Parks Commission for her years of work with Christopher Columbus Park. At a 2018 birthday celebration held in her honor, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation, noting that Joan “proves that one person does, indeed, make a difference.”
Joan was predeceased by her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Jane M. and James E. Link. She is survived by her nephews, David (Lucia) Link, Blossvale, NY, and Jon (Rita Marie) Link, Prescott ME; her niece, Martha Link, MD, Blossvale, NY; and four great-nieces, Claire, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Teresa.
A private interment service will be held at the McConnellsville Cemetery in McConnellsville, NY. Arrangements in care of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, Camden, NY.
Please share memories and condolences at www.larobardierefuneralhome.com.