Linda Jane Hirsch

Linda Jane Hirsch (nee Shapiro) passed away peacefully and surrounded by her daughters and their families on February 10, 2024, in Bloomfield, Connecticut, at the age of 84. Linda was born on July 29, 1939, in Bayonne, New Jersey. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Linda was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, humor, patience, intelligence and most of all, love. Her inner and outer beauty were unmatched. Linda was the glue of her family, always putting their needs above her own. She found immense joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Linda will always be remembered for her ability to see only the good in people.

In her career, Linda excelled in the fashion industry for 25 years, showcasing her talents in retail management, personal shopping, and even some modeling. Later, she transitioned to event planning, where she organized an outstanding fundraiser for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, a cause close to her heart. This event drew 100,000 people to downtown Hartford and reflected Linda's amazing boss lady skills, with an emphasis on bringing communities of people (and pets) together.

Linda and her husband, Howard, were founding members of the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation in Simsbury, CT. Their shared love for theatre blossomed at Camp High Lake Winona in NY, where they met and fell in love while starring in Finian's Rainbow. Many years later, their passion led them to establish the Park Road Playhouse in West Hartford, CT, where Linda dedicated herself to acting, singing, dancing, costuming, and gathering props. For those, fortunate enough to have heard her singing show tunes, they knew instantly that she had perfect pitch. Linda's passion for dogs was evident in almost everything she did, what she wore, and every conversation reflected her love for dogs. All of her "sweet babies" over the years, were so lucky to have been loved by Linda. She felt great comfort knowing that all of her angel dogs would be waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Linda will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including her daughters Margie (Bruce) Bidwell and Patti (Dave) Richardson, her grandchildren: Brooke (Beau) Richardson-Murray, Lexy Richardson, Anna (Kyle Glenn) Bidwell, Katie (Mike) Kane, Kellie (Tom) Hickey, Kim (Scott) Merrill, 6 great-grandchildren, brother Les Shapiro (Sue Gefsky), sister Judith Sokolow (George LaSalle), sister-in-law Sherry Shapiro (Hans Greenberg), nephew William Brownstein DDS, niece Rachel (Pascal) Ollagnon, nephew Jordan Shapiro, and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard Hirsch, daughter and son-in-law Ilene and Chris Fernald, parents Melville and Lillian Shapiro, father- and mother-in-law Irving and Sally Hirsch, sister- and brother-in-law Annette and Bernie Brownstein, nephew Harris Brownstein, among others.

Linda's legacy of love and inclusion will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Linda's life will be celebrated privately by her family.