Anne M. Tobin

Anne M. Tobin of Boston, died January 8. Anne engaged in community and political activities both locally and nationally. Her mischievous humor and delight in living were a gift to her many friends. Born in Newton MA, to the late Richard Tobin and Dorothy (Hackett) Tobin. She attended Mt. Alvernia High School, Newton. At St. Mary’s College, sister school to Notre Dame, she was awarded a masters degree in English writing with a theology minor in 1962 and taught theology at Rosary College, Chicago.Returning to Boston, she was an anti-war activist during the Vietnam War and the US-backed Contra War in Nicaragua in the 1970s. Anne became the first lay woman minister at the Paulist Center where she joined with several anti-war activists in multiple Catholic left actions. She challenged the Paulist Center to establish the first sanctuary in a Catholic church for draft resister Paul Couming of Dorchester. She also helped launch Boston’s Walk for Hunger. Anne was a gifted poet who participated in the UMass Wm. Joiner Institute for War and Social Consequences Writers Workshop for several years and was also a member of the Boston Center for Adult Education poetry writing workshop. She was also a talented stained glass artist. Anne was a stalwart organizer preserving the Symphony Road Community Garden and received a Boston Natural Areas Network Award for her community service. For several years she worked for Boston Urban Gardeners organizing farm stands and working with the MA Department of Agriculture, Boston Elder Affairs Commission, WIC and others on improving access to fresh produce. For the last 20 years of her professional career, Anne was Director of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center WIC program. Anne served on the board of the Fenway CDC and was a writer for the Fenway News. She loved living as a member of the Fensgate Cooperative where she was a board member for several years. Additionally, Anne’s 30-year participation enriched her women’s spirituality group in many ways. Predeceased by her brothers Edward and Richard. Anne was particularly proud of her grandfather Capt. RichardTobin, Keeper of the Cahoon Hollow, Wellfleet, MA, Lifesaving Station 1905-24. Donations in Anne's name may be made to Fenway CDC at fenwaycds.org, or to the Alzheimer's Association of MA/NH at www.alzmass.org, or to the East Boston NHC at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1428306/mobile

Services are private.