UNION — Linda J. Rose, of Union, passed away peacefully in Rockport on March 7, 2025 with her loving husband of 27 years, Mark Hedrich, by her side. She was born to Janet C. and Raymond G. Rose on January 30, 1947 in Syracuse, New York. She was the eldest of three girls, raised by their parents and their beloved Swedish grandmother.

After graduating from Central Technical High School, Linda attended Onondaga Community College and, subsequently, Dean College in Boston. Always free spirited, Linda headed for big city adventures seeking an independent life in Pittsburg. From there, she moved on to New York City, Atlanta, Miami, and Boston, supporting herself in various artistic and paralegal professions.

Always a stickler for detail and proper expression, she particularly loved and excelled in her paralegal work. In 1983, her son, Alexander Jay, was born, giving her life new-found meaning and joy. Linda and her son moved to Boston in the early 1990’s, but soon found their way to Midcoast Maine, a place where Linda had always dreamed of living.

Despite having lived much of her life in big cities, Linda was an ‘earth mother’ at heart. In mid-life she left the city life behind, and while visiting Agricola Farms in Union, Maine, she was destined to meet and marry a farmer, Mark Hedrich, who she called “the man on the tractor”. She became his true partner in operating Agricola Farms and Agricola Farms Country Store for 30 years, where, using her Master Gardener and other skills, she created and managed the farm’s CSA, one of the first in Maine.

Linda participated in local farmers’ markets, the State of Maine Senior Farm Share Program, and operated a beautifully curated country store which featured local crafts and food products, as well as vegetables and many varieties of plants carefully nurtured on the farm’s land and greenhouses. Although very busy at the farm, Linda was Education Coordinator with the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District for several years, taught classes in local schools on a variety of conservation and agricultural topics, and initiated the District’s Annual Conservation Fair.

Over the years, Linda looked forward to sisters’ weekend with Leslie and Lisa, when the “Rose girls” would get away to share food, wine, laughs and family stories; these were very special times.

In recent years, Linda found great joy in her grandchildren, keeping up with current events, tending her yard and garden, and enjoying a lively troupe of visiting crows. She loved and respected all birds, animals, and all aspects of the natural world around her. Linda was an avid reader and, as her husband, Mark, always commented “she’s read almost every book ever published!” She understood the value of educational opportunities for youth and adults, and avidly supported local libraries, which she often visited.

She will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, intelligence, and sharp wit, as well as her profound generosity toward others. We wish her countless blessings as she reunites with loved ones who have preceded her.

Linda is survived by her faithful, loving husband, Mark F. Hedrich, of Union; son Alexander J. Kaufmann of Union; sisters, Leslie Rose McDonald of Arden, North Carolina and Lisa Rose of South Portland; grandchildren Ellie, Clara, and Miles Kaufmann, and their mother Katherine Kaufmann of Auburn; nephews, Jonathan Sifer, Shawn Fitzgerald, Tyler Andrews, and Lars Andrews; and seven great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her grandson Jack Raymond Kaufmann, and her former spouse, Morris I. Kaufmann.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Thursday, March 20, at 1 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepard Food Bank, Auburn, Maine or Area Interfaith Outreach, Rockland, Maine.

To share a memory or condolence with Linda’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.