Leslie Jean Loomis Ph.D.

Leslie Jean Loomis, Ph.D., 71, beloved mother, sister and friend, passed away in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3rd, 2025, after a long, and difficult illness. Leslie was born on February 22nd, 1954, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Philip Clark Loomis and Jean Ann Slater.

Leslie believed that education is the gateway to all of life’s pursuits, as demonstrated throughout her endeavors. She graduated in the class of 1972, from Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and in 1976, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kirkland College, (now Hamilton College), in Clinton, New York. Committed to further developing her professional expertise, Leslie attended Columbia University in New York City, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel Administration. In 1982, she obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1988, Leslie achieved an important professional milestone, earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College in Boston, Massachusetts.

For over 40 years, Leslie worked in a broad range of institutional settings, from college and university counseling centers; to residential halfway houses and community mental health facilities; to major private hospitals and VA medical centers. Much of her professional career occurred as a school psychologist in the Cambridge Public School system in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as a psychotherapist and consultant in private practice in Arlington, Massachusetts. During those years, Leslie made a meaningful difference in the quality of her patients' lives, offering insights and giving them comfort and support to help them feel more healthy, happy and productive. She also enriched those organizations where she held an affiliation. For seven years, her commitment carried over into her volunteer work with the Boston Marathon, and the Medical Reserve Corp.

For those who knew Leslie when she was young, it was no surprise that she chose a vocation in which she could be of service to others. From an early age, she was kind and perceptive, with endless empathy for all. Leslie possessed an ever deep and abiding desire to ease the suffering of others. Her family and friends also experienced this love in so many ways.

Leslie was a devoted mother of two: Benjamin Loomis and Anna Alexis Loomis Moore. They were the source of her greatest joy. We all knew it. Each year, Leslie’s Christmas newsletters were filled with pride in their accomplishments and hopes for their futures. Every winter, there were ski trips, and in the summers, there were special expeditions to Walden Pond and vacations at the New England shore for the three of them. She never failed to mention Ben and Anna in conversation to those who knew her well. Even as they grew older and moved away, she always held them close to her heart. Leslie told us she felt her children were the best part of her.

In her spare time, Leslie loved to knit. She was a master knitter, creating beautiful blankets, scarves and sweaters for friends and family. She created cable knits and complicated patterns with ease, to the delight of those lucky enough to receive them. She was a reader too, favoring mysteries and historical fiction. Leslie also relished social activities, enjoying games of all kinds, especially Gin Rummy and board games. She created and hosted a “Games Night” in her home, and for ten years, this was an occasion where women could gather. Friendships grew, and their number only increased as time went by.

Leslie is survived by her son, Benjamin Loomis, her daughter, Anna Alexis Loomis Moore, her identical twin sister, Martha Lynn Loomis, brother, Philip Clark Loomis Jr., former partners, Karen Cogswell Pratt, and Melissa Jean Moore, her close friends, and extended family. All will cherish Leslie’s memory.

Rest in peace, dearest mother, sister, partner and treasured friend. We miss you now. We always will.

A small private gathering will be held in August.

In lieu of flowers, Leslie hoped friends might consider sending donations toward Dana Hall scholarships. Remembrances in Leslie’s name may be made to the Dana Hall School, 45 Dana Rd., P.O. Box 9010, Wellesley, MA, 02482-9010 or at https://campaign.danahall.org/give-now.