SUNDERLAND - Linda Lockwood Stansmore was born on May 25, 1936, and passed away on Nov. 15, 2009, from Alzheimer's disease at her home in Sunderland.

Prior to the onset of her sickness Linda was professor of environmental sciences at The University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where she taught for over 20 years. Linda first met her husband, William Stansmore, in Westport, Conn., when they were in the sixth grade. They dated all through high school, college, and for many years thereafter. Linda attended the Bolton School (now Greenwich Academy) in Westport, Conn., where she resided with her parents, Richard and Miriam Lockwood. Linda went on to Columbia University where she received her Ph.D. and taught in the botany department before coming to her home in Sunderland, and teaching at the University of Massachusetts.

Among her many achievements, Linda was a concert pianist and gave many performances. She was active in numerous organizations and programs dedicated to preserving the environment on local and international levels.

She inspired her daughter, Kathy, to go to Columbia Medical School and Harvard University, where she became a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Linda was an inspiration to her students and all who knew her. She will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. Obituary and register are available at www.douglassfuneral.com.