SANFORD — Mary Linda Whitten, 62, of Sanford, died on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.

Linda was born on Jan. 8, 1952, to Helon and Mary (Patrick) Rodrigue in Sanford, where she grew up and attended local schools.

She attended classes at the University of Southern Maine before transferring to Nasson College in Springvale, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

After graduating, she held several jobs before leaving work to stay home and raise her family.

In 1970, she married Albert Whitten, and together they shared 44 years of marriage and had three daughters.

Linda was a talented artist and enjoyed painting. She also liked crocheting, weaving and making penny rugs. Linda loved to sing and would often make up funny songs, which she would proudly teach to her grandchildren.

She had been a member of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford.

She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by: her brother, Bruce Rodrigue.

Surviving are: her husband, Albert W. Whitten of Sanford; three daughters, Mary-Lin Simpson, Kasha Whitten, both of Sanford, and Arabella Neal and her husband Dan of Acton; three brothers, Thomas Rodrigue of New Hampshire, Charlie Rodrigue and Edward Rodrigue, both of Sanford; six grandchildren, Tasha Simpson, Kayla Simpson, Zackary Neal, Anthony Simpson II, Geneva Neal and Evelyn Paradise; and three great-grandchildren, Camden, Corrina and Autumn.

Private services will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.