Rev. Linda Wood-Boyle

Linda Wood-Boyle, 71, of Waltham, MA, passed away on October 17, 2026. Born on August 2, 1955, Linda devoted her life to caring for others, both in body and spirit. She served as a social worker and a minister, and focused her work on serving those in need, especially those experiencing homelessness.

The daughter of a United Methodist minister, Linda was born in Dover Foxcroft, then moved to Westbrook, and Kittery, Maine. After some rebellious teenage years, she went on to attend the University of Southern Maine where she majored in Social Work and Boston University where she attained her Master of Divinity.

Linda's career was her faith put into action. She focused on making sure everyone had a safe place, whether she was organizing an event, meeting with clients, or consulting with those in power to push for reforms and programs to help those most in need. She served as Executive Director of the Somerville Homeless Coalition and then spent 15 years as Executive Director of HomeStart, where her leadership helped the organization grow from 30 employees to more than 100. During her time there, she played a large part in launching the homelessness prevention program in Boston, changing the lives of so many then and now. She later became the Executive Director of Project Hope before stepping down and retiring early so she could care for her beloved husband until his passing in 2021.

In addition to her career, Linda always found time to devote to her church. She was actively involved in committees and was consistently there for anyone in need of a hand or an ear to listen. Most recently she was part of the Open and Affirming committee, welcoming those in the LGBTQ+ community and focusing on ensuring their church is a safe haven for everyone, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.

Linda's legacy lives on in the people she helped, the programs she built, and the many staff members she mentored over the years. Her work showed that faith is best expressed through action and that no one should face hardship alone. Linda was predeceased by her husband, Douglas Wood-Boyle; her father, Rev. Clifton Wood; her mother, Joan Wood (Douglas); and her sisters, Laurie Wood and Caroline Smith (Wood). She is survived by her brother, Clifton Wood, Jr.; her nephew, Clifton Wood, III; and her niece, Amanda Spolidoro (Missel). She will also be deeply missed by the many colleagues, friends, and community members whose lives she touched.

A wake will be held on Friday, October 30 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, West Newton, MA, and a funeral service will be held on Saturday. October 31 at 10 a.m. at the United Parish of Auburndale, Newton, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Linda's memory to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and GLADD to continue the work she cared about so deeply.