Elizabeth Lucretia Arris

Our beloved mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Lucretia Smith Arris, passed away peacefully at her home in Freeport, Maine, surrounded by family on July 16, 2026.

Betty was born in Portland, Maine on July 10, 1934 to Clara Ella Skillins Smith and Delhi Johnson Smith. She was one of four children.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Clara and Delhi Smith; her brothers, John Phillip Smith, Roland Victor Smith, Richard Leo Smith; her husband, Leland John Arris Sr; a son, Leland John Arris Jr; grandson, Cary Anthony Arris; and son-in-law, Robert Francis Dorrington.

Betty grew up in the Chestnut Street area of Portland, Maine and had many fond memories of summers spent swimming at Deering Oaks with her brothers and cousins.

In 1948 Betty met the love of her life, Leland (Bucky) John Arris Sr. They married in Portland, Maine on April 7, 1950. Together they raised eight children plus one bonus son in the town of Freeport, Maine.

Betty was the heart and soul of her family. She had a big heart and strong will, and was someone who always looked out for those who needed help.

In addition to caring for her own family, Betty often invited friends, neighbors, and co-workers into her home for holiday meals so that they would not be alone on a holiday. She poured love onto each and every person who entered her home, making sure that no one left with an empty belly. She delivered warm gloves to gas attendants in winter so that their hands would not freeze.

Early in her marriage she worked alongside other family members in one of Freeport’s shoe factories.

Betty’s best years were spent caring for the residents of Pineland Hospital in New Gloucester, Maine. She loved and doted on them, even bringing some of them into her home.

She worked at the L.L. Bean store when it still had the old creaky wooden steps, then moved over to the new Taylor building as they expanded operations.

She became a private nanny later in life and raised eight more children from infancy to school aged.

Betty was an adventurer. She went sledding with her children in winter. Betty and Bucky went white water rafting in their sixties. They traveled together to Florida, Washington D.C., and spent many seasons visiting the L.L. Bean camps in the Lakes Region area, hosting large family get togethers.

Betty continued to drive into her late 80’s enjoying shopping trips and restaurants with her daughters.

Betty’s wishes to remain in her home for her final days were honored thanks to the love and support of her family. The family would like to give love and thanks to her caregivers from Northern Light Home Health and Hospice, Kristen and Angie.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Ana Arris of Palm Bay, Florida; daughter, Diane Dorrington of Durham, Maine; son, Gary Arris and his wife Sandy of Bridgton, Maine; daughter, Mary Burnham of Freeport, Maine; son, Leo Arris and his wife Arlene of Freeport, Maine; son, Delbert Arris of Freeport, Maine; daughter, Leatrice DiConzo and her husband Stephen of Freeport, Maine; son, Granville Arris and his wife Diane of Westbrook, Maine; bonus son, David Branch and his wife Heather of Westbrook, Maine; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Burr Cemetery in Freeport.