OBITUARY: Linda Stantial
Linda Stantial, 80, passed on June 22, 2026, with her family by her side.
Linda was a longtime resident of the Kendal Common neighborhood in Weston, which she treasured for its close-knit community. She was a member of the Weston High School Class of 1963 and earned her undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University and her master’s degree from Boston University.
Linda’s professional life was devoted to higher education. She worked at MIT for 29 years, retiring in 2001 from her role as director of career planning in the Sloan Career Development Office and Placement Office.
Linda was a devoted stepmother who played a pivotal role in raising her stepchildren, Martin Yenawine and Polly Joncas, and remained connected to them and the extended Yenawine family throughout her life.
Linda cultivated diverse and lasting friendships. She was famous for her thoughtful birthday cards and for her willingness to listen and offer advice when needed. For her, a perfect day included the simple pleasures of spending time with friends and family for a hike or a healthy picnic. She was a naturalist through and through who loved animals and was dedicated to her property and gardens.
In retirement, she remained active and fiercely independent. She continued contributing to her community as a volunteer in local schools and as a tireless activist for democracy.
Linda is survived by her sister, Susan S. Hennings, nephews Michael R. Jorgensen, Jr. and David S. Jorgensen; niece Sandra L. Macadoff and many grandnieces and nephews. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Martin (Joan) Yenawine and Polly (Marc) Joncas, and her grandchildren, Lea and Erin Yenawine, and Andrew and Lauren Joncas. She was preceded in death by her parents, M. Thomas Stantial and Florence Stantial.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life event on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Weston Community Center, 20 Alphabet Lane.
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