Linda Armstrong Rooney

Linda Armstrong Rooney, a well-known Aiken chef and restaurant owner, died on February 2, 2021 in Aiken. She was 74.

A native of Ottawa, Canada, Linda came to Aiken as an exercise rider in the 1970s for prominent Aiken trainer James W. Maloney at the Aiken Training Track. Following her equine career, she nurtured her interest in cooking and baking, learned at Mrs. London’s Bakery in Saratoga Springs, NY, into A La Carte, a portable pastry and beverage cart located in The Alley of downtown Aiken. Her success in the pastry business allowed her to establish Linda’s Bistro, a fine dining restaurant first located in The Alley and more recently at 135 York Street, SE in Aiken.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aiken Equine Rescue, 532 Glenwood Drive, Aiken, SC 29803 or to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Post Office Box 834, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.