Nancy Cadle Stoll (1949 – 2025), 76 years old of Boston, Massachusetts on November 27, 2025.
Known for her love of reading, needlepoint, gift giving (always with the perfect wrapping and bow), and anything chocolate, Nancy was adored by many. She will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the kindness and delight she brought into the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
Nancy was born in Paoli, Indiana in 1949 to George Wendell Cadle and Helen Ruth Campbell, the eldest of four siblings. From an early age, she discovered her love for music, playing the French horn in her high school marching band and learning piano. She was known for accomplishing the dreams she set out to achieve, and she always enjoyed a good spin around town in her Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.
After graduating from Hanover College in 1971, Nancy pursued her lifelong dedication to higher education. She earned her master’s degree at Ball State University, served as Associate Dean at Wooster College, and went on to Harvard University, where she received her Doctorate. Boston became her home, and she built an extraordinary career, serving at Simmons University, Brandeis University, and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. Ultimately, she found her calling at Suffolk University, where she served as Dean of Students for 29 years, leaving a mark on generations of students and colleagues.
Nancy was a driving force behind Suffolk University’s transformation from a commuter school into a cohesive residential community. Nancy built Suffolk’s residence life structure from scratch. Her greatest joy was her direct contact with the students watching them grow and blossom. After her retirement in 2016, she started the Suffolk University Retired Friends committee to keep former employees connected. She simply loved Suffolk.
It was at Wooster College that Nancy met James “Jim” Stoll, her partner in both life and passion for higher education. Together, they shared a love for travel, art, philanthropy, and hosting lively dinner parties for family and friends. Their adventures took them across France, Italy, Amsterdam, and beyond, where they collected art pieces that reflected their journeys. They also cherished time spent at their Cape house in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts, and later at their condo in Chandler, Arizona, where they enjoyed retirement and escaped the cold Boston winters.
Nancy and Jim have two beloved children, Gregory Stoll (Juliana Stoll) of Winchester, Massachusetts and Lindsay Mistretta (Xavier Mistretta) of San Diego, California. Nancy was extremely proud of their accomplishments and delighted in watching them grow into the adults they are today.
Nancy’s more recent favorite role was that as a Grammy. Nancy treasured her time with her granddaughter Amelie and was thrilled to be welcoming another grandchild in February, Harrison. Nancy taught Amelie how to love board games, crafting, and of course, shopping!
We could not have asked for a more kind and thoughtful mom, wife, sister and grandparent and she will be missed every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Suffolk University President’s Discretionary Fund would be greatly appreciated.