PORTLAND — Loretta E. “Rita” Lakin, 85, died Sept. 1 at St. Joseph’s Manor.

Born in Acton on Feb. 17, 1924, she was a daughter of Harold L. and Bertha M. (Danforth) Arno.

After living in New Hampshire, she moved to South Portland in 1943.

She was a member of the West Falmouth Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where she participated in the Baptist Women’s Guild and volunteered at countless Saturday night church suppers.

Dancing was a passion of hers from a young age. As a member of the USO, she danced at local bases during World War II. She was a founding member of the Society for the Preservation of Ballroom Dancing,

She enjoyed bowling and was a member of many leagues in the area.

Her family will remember her as a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband Alfred H. Lakin in 1993, sisters, Claribel LaCroix and Harriet Wilcox and brother Gerald Arno.

She is survived by her two children, Jeffrey A. Lakin and his wife Pamela of Falmouth, and Carol A. Gagnon and her husband Al of Cumberland; five grandchildren, Erin M. Gagnon of Haverhill, Mass., Carrie L. Gagnon of Cumberland, Benjamin A. Lakin of Falmouth, Alison M. Lakin of Falmouth, and Craig J. Lakin of Falmouth; two great-grandchildren, Calvin R. Barker and Cassandra R. Barker of Haverhill, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held last week.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Manor, activities dept., 1133 Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04103.

Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland,