Linda Kay (Merkel) Stimpson

Linda Kay (Merkel) Stimpson, 72, of Carrollton, Virginia, beloved wife and best friend of 44 years to John Bruce Stimpson passed away June 10, 2024 from medical complications.

Born in Holyoke, MA, she was the daughter of the late Walter T. Merkel and Betty J. (Jacot) Merkel. A graduate of South Hadley High School, in South Hadley, MA, Linda went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial Studies from Holyoke Community College (HCC), Holyoke, MA.

Linda worked at HCC while attending college and continued to work in the Admissions Office after her graduation. In 1980 she moved to Rhode Island, where she went to work at Roger Williams College, Bristol, RI. In 1986 she went to work at Raytheon, Submarine Signal Division, and served as an Admin. Assistant in Test Equipment Engineering. In 1990 she was hired as a contractor to work at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI until her retirement in August 2016. In April 2017, she moved to a beautiful house in Carrollton VA to be close to her son and grandchildren. She became a member of Trinity Unity Methodist Church in Smithfield, VA. She loved her 7 years in Virginia watching her grandchildren grow.

Linda enjoyed traveling throughout her lifetime and she visited 57 National Parks. She also enjoyed singing and was a member of the United Methodist Church Choir for her entire life. She was also an avid photographer and a life-long member of Red Sox Nation. Linda always had a positive influence and she was a mentor to her family and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her husband, John, she leaves behind her son, Michael J. Stimpson; her brother David Merkel and wife JeanAnn of Burlington, MA; her aunt Mary (Roberts) Jacot; her most beloved twin grandchildren, Ainsley and Benjamin Stimpson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Service for Linda will be held at Littles Funeral Home on Friday, June 21st, at 6 pm. A burial of her ashes will be done privately at the Forestdale Cemetery in Holyoke, MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Linda would like donations to be sent directly to Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 Cedar Street, Smithfield, VA 23430.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com