Rachel Lynde is a neighbour of Matthew and Marilla, and the nosiest person and gossip in town. She soon warms to the freckle-faced orphan. She is industrious and helpful, and does work for the church. She is married and has raised ten children, but her husband, Thomas Lynde, is mentioned briefly and never speaks.

In the Anne and Avonlea series, she is portrayed by the actress Patricia Hamilton.