Linda "Chip" Batchelor Aldrich passed from this life into eternal life on May 19, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida. She was preceded in death by her mother, the late Bettye Jean Brown. Linda was born December 12, 1949 in Atlanta, GA. At an early age, she moved to Tampa, Florida where she grew up.

Her formative years were spent as an inquisitive student at St. Peter Claver Catholic School. She continued her education at the primary and secondary levels in the Hillsborough County School System. As a student at Nathan B. Young Middle School, she enjoyed performing in school-led group activities. As a teenager at Middleton High School, she was a band leader and a majorette.

After graduating high school, she continued her education graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Clark Atlanta University. She later earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tampa.

As an undergraduate in college, she met Samuel Aldrich, a young electrical engineer, her future husband. The couple married on Christmas Day in 1971. They then moved to Tampa where Linda started her teaching career. She loved working with young children and contributed to the educational guidance of many meaningful lives. In addition to young children, she taught at the college-level as well.

As a young couple, they traveled extensively and lived in several states. While living in the New York area, Linda worked in fashion for Conde Nast Publications at their Vogue and Mademoiselle magazines. Linda excelled in fashion as well as education.

Leaving her mark in education, Linda embarked on real estate. Her impact was immediately felt because she was "Rookie of the Year" for the first year she entered the field. Her competitive spirit served her well and was a key asset in obtaining a diverse clientele. Her winning smile, professional demeanor, and generous laughter will be missed by all.

She leaves to cherish her memory, loving husband Samuel Aldrich, sons Darron (Telma) and Samuel II; father, Clifford Brown, Sr.; sisters Gail Green, Veronica Borders (Charles) and brother Clifford Brown, Jr. (Dionne); grandchildren Darron Aldrich, Jr., Tashai Aldrich, Caria Polite, Marquise Aldrich, Malik Aldrich, Shaniquea Aldrich-Meeks, and Latifah Aldrich; great-grandchildren Amya Cotney, Da-keriyon Aldrich, Darion Aldrich, Dacari Aldrich, Damire Aldrich, Avari Aldrich, Ja-meir Henry, Caria Polite Jr., Ca-miyah Polite and Cam Polite; nephews Damian Greene (Angel), Jerrell Borders, Charles R. (Tiffani) Borders Jr., Addison Brown; nieces Sydney Brown, Sukandra Cooper (David); aunts Barbara Johnson and Shigeko Batchelor, In-laws Joyce Chisolm (Walter), Juanita Williams (Wilbert), Inez Patton (Earl), Cora Martin (Starlin), Joann Gibson (Corky), James Aldrich (Julie). Special Friends: Catherine Crosby, William Taylor, Gwen Horne, Frances Thompson, Eleanor Nunn, Betty Gibson, Lois Smith, Vicky Kemp, Mary Davis and Ester Jones.

Visitation
Chapel of Hope, Aikens Funeral Home
Friday, May 28, 2021
04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Mt. Moriah P.B. Church
Saturday, May 29, 2021
11:00 AM
1225 N. Nebraska Av
Tampa, FL 33602