Linda Haefner DeMarco

Linda had an illustrious military career, serving 28 years in the Alabama National Guard, specifically with the 109th Evacuation Hospital during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, COSCOM and State Area Command, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 2023, she was recognized as Military Officer Association of America’s Veteran of the Year at the annual Veteran’s Day Dinner in Birmingham.

In her civilian life, Linda served 31 years at the Jefferson County Department of Health, primarily as a Health Center Administrator. She graduated from Minnie Holman, Woodlawn High School in 1966. She then went on to Auburn University earning both a BS and MS degree in dietetics.

Linda was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and engaged in various professional, civic, and other organizations throughout her life. She was a member and served as President of the Birmingham District Dietetic Association, Alabama Dietetic Association, Zonta, Optimist Club of Birmingham, and Military Wives Club of Birmingham. She is a member of MOAA and Republican Women of the South. She also served for many years as Chairman of the Jefferson County Alabama Silver Haired Legislature.

Her unwavering dedication to her country, community, and family will always be remembered. She loved spending time and doing crafts with her grandchildren, traveling, and planning reunions for her WHS Class of 1966 with the reunion planning group.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Doris and Arthur E. Haefner; her husband, Fred DeMarco; step grandchildren Kenny and Amber; stepson Dan DeMarco; and stepdaughter Debbie Hill. She is survived by her son, Brian DeMarco, grandchildren Emma, Asher, Bailey, and Cameron; daughter, Stacey Morgan; sister, Margaret Cooley; niece, Janet Cooley (Ellen); second-nephews, Hunter and Harper; nephew, Alan Cooley; stepdaughter, Donna Brown (Dave); step grandchildren, David Brown (Samantha), Dana Brown, Kaitylyn Harless (Christian), Natasha Lynn, Nicholas Rex.