ROCKPORT — Rita Mae Lorenzen, 87, died Nov. 12, 2014, at her home in Rockport. Born in Camden on May 3, 1927, she was the daughter of Gordon P. and Mae (Fitton) Cash, and was a graduate of Rockport High School.

She grew up during the Great Depression, learning to be thrifty and resourceful from her parents. When she met her future husband, Ernest Lorenzen, she was a young lady, owned her own home and had a job. Rita and Ernie were married Sept. 16, 1961, and made plans to build a larger home and start a family.

Rita worked as a drug store clerk in Belfast, and later as a seamstress at Van Baalen's in Rockland. She was fortunate to be able to stay home with their two children, providing love, warmth, and a wealth of knowledge in cooking and crafts.

She loved a wide variety of music, from jazz to Jerry Garcia. In the 1970s Rita purchased an old piano, refinishing it herself and she played it for hours throughout the rest of her life. Even after dementia had reduced her ability to speak, she was able to walk up to the piano and lay out chords without a second thought. Her other interests included sewing, bird watching, gardening, bicycling and physical fitness.

Most of all, Rita loved being a mother and in her later years, being a grandmother. She had a sweet disposition and a smile for everyone she met.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Ernest Lorenzen in 2013; a brother, Richard G. Cash in 1989; and a niece, Chrystal Cash Whitney in 1991. Surviving are her two children, Linda Lorenzen of Rockport and Peter Lorenzen and his wife, Nikki, of Casco; her grandchildren, Carson Lyons and Kristina Oakes; her beloved nieces and nephews, Rick Cash, Jeff and Cheryl Cash, Stephanie and Greg Peaslee, Sean Cash and Liz Yori, and Michelle and Erik Jura; as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St. in Camden, with the Rev. Ralph Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Seaview Cemetery in Rockport.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Camden Area District Nursing Association, P.O. Box 547, Camden, ME 04843.