ROCKLAND — Pearle E. Vanorse, 91, died Jan. 23, 2016, at the Sussman House in Rockport, following an extended illness.

Born in Rockland on March 7, 1924, she was one of seven children of William H. and Susie Keizer Smith. Educated in Rockland schools, she was a graduate of Rockland High School, where she was a star on the women's basketball team.

Pearle married the love of her life, Bert J. Vanorse. A few years after their marriage, the couple moved to Bay View Square, where they raised their family and she assisted her husband in the operation of his business, Bert's Machine Shop.

As well as being a devoted wife and mother, in earlier years Pearle helped support her family working at Pierce Pant Factory in Thomaston, Green Island Packing Company and cleaning local offices. For many years Pearle worked painting and hanging paper in countless area homes.

An accomplished ballroom dancer, with her husband Pearle competed in many dance competitions. They also enjoyed attending Saturday night dances at The Blue Goose in Northport. She bowled on leagues locally and around the state. Pearle loved to cook and sew for her family.

In addition to her parents, Pearle was predeceased by three children, Susan in 1945, Milton in 1962 and Wayne in 1983; and four siblings, Kenneth Smith, Albert Smith, Grace Gray and Ethel Wildes. she is survived by her beloved husband, Bert, of 73 years; her children, Pearle E. Seekins of Thomaston, Bert J. Vanorse Jr. and his wife, Sharon, Robert A. Vanorse, and Nancy J. Chandler and her husband, Frank, all of Rockland, as well as Harold L. Vanorse and his wife, Susan, of Rockport, and Sonja M. Neiman and her husband, Chuck, of Appleton; two brothers, Neil Smith of Rockland, and Lawrence Smith and his wife, Sheila, of Swans Island; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

An informal celebration of Pearle's life will be held Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pen Bay Christian Schools, One Waldo Avenue, Rockland, ME 04841.