Laura Starmer Langton

Laura Starmer Langton, of Waltham, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, November 3, 2022 after bravely battling aggressive brain cancer for more than two years. Laura’s true vocation in life was motherhood and her legacy of love lives on in the hearts of the family she created with her husband, William Joseph Langton of Waltham.  She was 62.

Born in Waltham, Laura was the first of three children born to Barbara Lanctot Starmer and William Starmer. She attended Saint Jude School in Waltham and Saint Patrick’s High School in Watertown. She received an Associate’s degree from Aquinas Junior College in Newton in 1980 and worked in Boston as a paralegal before marrying.

In 1984 she and Bill married and settled in Waltham. Her greatest joy was in raising her family and she dedicated herself to creating a beautiful home. She was artistic by nature and graced their walls with her stunning murals, hand painted furniture, and her own unique style.  Her children remember her as an active agent in fostering play-time. There were countless excursions to Drumlin Farm, as she instilled in them, at an early age, her love for animals, nature and gardening. They remember long walks around Walden Pond, trips to museums, fence hopping, song singing, and occasionally ice cream for dinner.  Laura had an affinity for the ocean and Long Sands Beach in York, Maine was one of her favorite escapes. The family had many adventures there; a car full of kids and a heart full of love for life and its’ simple pleasures.

She was a lover of cozy mysteries and served the patrons at the Weston and Waltham Public Libraries, working part-time for many years while raising her family. She shared her appreciation for a well plotted story by reading aloud children’s classics to her family. In addition to her library work, she worked as a certified Pilates and Water Aerobics instructor. One of her favorite activities growing up was the art of dance. She took pleasure in helping others feel strong and healthy in their bodies through these disciplines.  In keeping with her love of family she was a genealogy enthusiast and took delight in uncovering information about her family tree.

Laura’s faith was most important to her. She was an active parishioner at Saint Jude Church and served as a beloved teacher for the Religious Education program for many years. As a Cooperator to the Opus Dei movement, she was known for her unique way with little children, donating her time to young mothers by caring for their children while they attended a program.

Laura’s community of friends, united in faith, held a devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the Rosary. Hers was a life dedicated to her faith and her family. This faith and her growing family bolstered her spirits in the trial of her illness. She was graced with the opportunity to hold and snuggle her four grandbabies.

In addition to her beloved husband, William J. Langton, she is survived by her five children and their partners and spouses:  Joseph (Erin) Langton, Meredith Langton (Ben) Leiker, Nicholas (Sofia Cote) Langton, Geoffrey (Gabriella DiGiacomo) Langton, Benson (Miles Benepe) Langton and  her four  grandchildren, Ellie Langton, Ziggy Leiker,  Madison and Liam Langton.  She also leaves her brother, William Starmer and his wife Michele and her sister, Susan Starmer; five brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Laura's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, November 9th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.