PORTLAND — Rita Louise Drew, 73, died Aug. 31 after a brief illness with family by her side.

On June 30, 1936, she was born in Portland, a daughter of Franklin and Dorothy (Harris) Clinch.

She graduated from Greely High School and lived most of her life in Cumberland.

She and her husband owned and operated the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Brunswick for many years and later retired to a cabin in the woods of Hiram with her husband Victor.

An active member of the Cumberland Congregational Church, she served as a deacon for the church.

Most important to her was spending time with her loving family, and she particularly enjoyed family reunions. Known to her grandchildren as “Mimi,” she felt closest to God when she was with them.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed sewing, golfing, cooking, spending time with friends and being outside.

She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Amy Beth Drew.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 54 years, Victor Drew Jr.; son Bret and Karen Drew of Gray and two daughters, Vicki-Lyn Anderson and Glenn of Lyman and Rebecca and Greg Michaud of Freeport; two brothers, Franklin Clinch Jr., of New Port Richey, Fla., and Terry Clinch of Loomis, Neb., and two sisters, Donalene Fox and Jacquelin Copeland, both of Hiram; eight grandchildren, Bobbi-Lyn, Ben, Jaimie, Rachel, Drew, Aidan, Adam and Noah; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held last week.

Memorial donations may be made to ALS Association, 10 Ferry St., Suite 438, Box 314, Concord, N.H. 03301 or to the eHope Foundation, P.O. Box 7794, Portland, ME 04112.

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

Memorial condolences and fond memories can be shared with the Drew family at www.mem.com.