Linda Pastan (May 27, 1932 – January 30, 2023) was an American poet of Jewish background.

[1] She was known for writing short poems that address topics like family life, domesticity, motherhood, the female experience, aging, death, loss and the fear of loss, as well as the fragility of life and relationships.

Her father was a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, who became a surgeon.

[2] Pastan published 15 books of poetry and a number of essays.

Pastan died at her home in Chevy Chase on January 30, 2023, at the age of 90, from complications following cancer surgery.