ROCKLAND — Linda M. Kennedy, 79, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, Sunday, September 19, 2021.

Born in South Portland, July 31, 1942, she was the daughter of Roland and Larraine Bourque Libby. A hard worker her entire life, Linda began her long career as a caregiver and homemaker at the tender age of 15 when her own mother died. She selflessly stepped in and helped raised her five younger brothers.

On February 12, 1960, Linda married the love of her life, Henry Kennedy, who was home on leave from the Army. Linda and Henry returned to Germany where their family grew. Together they welcomed two sons and a daughter.

While living in Germany, Linda enjoyed dirt track racing in the “Powder Puff” league. Winning many trophies, she became one of the top female drivers. Throughout their life, Linda supported her husband and family during his military career. A devoted wife and mother, she loved sewing, often making clothing for her children. They all recalled with great fondness the dresses and tux’s she made for their proms. She and Henry enjoyed going to “Beano” several times a week. Although they never got a honeymoon, they were thrilled to have spent a two week R&R in Hawaii after they were married and Henry was stationed in Vietnam. Later in life she loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren, even taking them to Disney World on more than one occasion.

Her kind heart and generosity will be missed by all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband in June of 2020; four brothers, Ricky, Bobby, Bill and Mike Libby; and a daughter-in-law, Andrea Kennedy; Linda is survived by her sons, Thomas Kennedy and his wife Candace of Thomaston, Joseph Kennedy and his wife Heidi of Rockland; her daughter, Susie Kennedy and her companion Peter Benson of Rockland; a brother Roland “Joe” Libby of Milo; five grandchildren, Autumn Hollingshead and her husband Zak, Thomas Kennedy, II and his wife Amber, Linda Rackliff, Eileen Johnson and her husband Kenny, James Kennedy; seven great-grandchildren, Trenton Hollingshead, Damien and Christian Humiston, Clara and Ben Theberge, Darian Johnson, and Emerson Kennedy; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside celebration of life will be held Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 2 p.m., at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

To share a memory or condolence with the Kennedy 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.