We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeanne Patterson, a longtime BHA resident and Taskforce President at Peabody Englewood Apartments in Dorchester. Jeanne was a consummate resident leader and was one of the longest serving members of the BHA Resident Advisory Board.

Jeanne was a revered leader at Peabody Englewood and among public housing leaders across BHA. She was a steady presence, very outspoken, and a passionate advocate for Elderly/Disabled residents for many years.

She was the type of leader who saw Peabody as ‘her development,’ and the residents as ‘her residents.’ She always did whatever she could to help her neighbors.

Jeanne was a warm presence who was deeply thoughtful of others. When residents moved out, she would often help clean the apartment to ready it for the next resident. When someone moved in, she would help them get whatever they needed to settle into their new home.

“Bill McGonagle once said ‘in a way we all work for Jeanne.’” BHA’s Coordinator of Grants and Strategic Partnerships John Kane said. “If Jeanne asked you to do something you did it because it was never for herself. It was always for her community.”