In Memory of Rev. Linda DeSantis (1949-2025)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Linda DeSantis, who died on August 29, 2025, at the age of 76.

Linda was born on April 16, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY. The oldest of three daughters, she attended Catholic school in Queens, NY, until the fourth grade. After her family moved to Long Island, she continued her education in public schools. Music was a meaningful part of her high school journey. In 1970, she graduated from Hofstra University, NY, with a BA in French and Education. 

In 1981, Linda became the Director of Religious Education at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus, NJ. During her time there, she especially enjoyed creating and conducting worship. From 1982 to 1990, she served as a religious educator for the UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ, approaching the RE position as a ministry. Early in her first year at Montclair, she found herself drawn to all aspects of church life. She grew increasingly interested in the overall working of the church and how each component functioned to enhance the whole. Linda worked to make the RE program meaningful and relevant for children across a wide range of ages and interests. Children, including teenagers, sought her out, confided in her, and trusted her guidance. She also led seminars and workshops for Adult Education. Her services for children allowed them to experience a sense of community through shared worship and to consider the beliefs around which worship was structured. She developed a cooperative teaching plan involving many parents and became an invaluable resource for families. Her experience as a religious educator deepened her desire to become a Unitarian Universalist minister. She believed she could offer a unique contribution to the UU tradition and felt that nothing would be more gratifying than the opportunity to accompany people through their life journeys and to help bring a bit of wholeness to the world. In 1990, she earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

The Rev. DeSantis was ordained by the UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ, on May 6, 1990. She served her first ministry as a settled minister at the UU Church at Washington Crossing, Titusville, NJ (1990−1996). During her ministry, the congregation doubled in size, embarked on a major building project, and became one of the first five Welcoming Congregations. In 1996, she was called to serve on a three-minister team at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, NY, where she ministered until 1999.

The Rev. DeSantis was an agent of healing, transformation, and wholeness in the congregation. Her sermons reflected both a deep theological understanding and a profound sensitivity and concern for human beings. She was outgoing, humorous, and open, and her engaging personality made her a joy to be around.

Linda was involved with the denomination as a member of the UU Ministers’ Association and as a board member of the UU Counselling and Education Service.

In addition to her ministry, she provided her services as a Crisis Intervention Specialist to the Drenk Center, Burlington County, NJ.  She also served on the professional advisory board of the Mercer County Hospice, NJ.

Linda is survived by her children, Rick and Sarah (Sean), and her grandchildren, Cecilia and Calvin.

A private memorial service was held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Church of Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560.

Notes of condolence may be sent via email to rememberinglindad@gmail.com.