Long-Time Uptown Advocate Joyce Dugan Has Passed Away

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joyce Warren Dugan on August 7th.

Joyce was the long-time president and CEO of Uptown United, and did everything from promote Uptown in the media, to show retail spaces to prospective tenants, to hold seminars on Uptown's future plans. 

She was the driving force behind the eight-year creation of the Winthrop Family Historical Garden, and then-Alderman Helen Shiller had the street honorarily designated as Joyce Dugan Way.

photo: Google Streetview

In his latest newsletter, Ald. Osterman said:

"Last week, longtime community leader Joyce Dugan passed away. Joyce served the 48th Ward as President of Uptown United and as Assistant to Alderman Mary Ann Smith. She also volunteered at organizations like Sarah’s Circle, helping women find resources and improve their lives, and worked with the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council. 

Even when she was ill, she was involved with residents at the Admiral. Joyce’s contributions to our community are immeasurable, and she represents the love for her community rooted in the 48th Ward. Our condolences go to her husband, Tim. Joyce will be dearly missed."

We'll particularly miss seeing Joyce at every book club meeting she could get to, either in person or virtually.

As one of our readers said, "She was a tremendous human being."

Godspeed, Joyce. Uptown became a better place because of your dedication and ideas.