Who is Miss Rachel Lynde?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde is Marilla's long time neighbor and the Avonlea town gossip. Mrs. Lynde always speaks her mind, no matter how blunt and tactless she may come across. Her meddlesome frankness often leads people to a bad first impression of her., Mrs. Lynde has a conflicted relationship with Mr. Harrison, as he too has no fear of saying whatever is on his mind no matter how offensive it might sound. They often butt heads with their opinionated-ness. Though Anne recognizes Mrs. Lynde's frankness comes across as abrasive, she sympathizes with Mrs. Lynde's good intentions: Mrs. Lynde tells the truth in order to push people to improve themselves rather than wallowing in a lack of self-awareness. Mrs. Lynde is also committed to Church activities and helping the less fortunate through the church missions, and Anne respects her good heart, which is perfectly capable of kindness. Mrs. Lynde is so busy minding everyone else's business she doesn't notice the failing health of her own husband until it is too late.