WINTHROP-- Rita Dakin Kenfield, 87, died peacefully on December 25, 2012 at Winthrop Manor and Rehabilitation Center. She had resided there since 2003, where she requested to live. She was born in Melrose, Massachusetts on March 7, 1925, the second daughter of Leon G. and Clara Brown Dakin. The family moved to Academy Road in Monmouth in 1936 where Rita attended Monmouth schools and graduated from Monmouth Academy in 1944. After attending Farmington Normal School and Gorham State Teachers College Rita taught in a one room school house in West Gardiner, and later, fifth grade in Lewiston. In her youth, Rita was an avid sportsperson. Her favorite place to hunt, fish, snowshoe, and hike was at the Dakin family camp on Dead River, in Eustis, Maine. Rita became a self-taught artist, painting in oils, drawing in chalk, and working with fine metals, particularly silver and semi-precious stones. She taught art classes in Maine and Florida, her winter home for a number of years. Rita was an early supporter and contributor to Monmouth Museum. The present Cobbler Shop was once named The Silver Playhouse, where Rita held jewelry- making classes and demonstrations. Rita designed a large oil painting, depicting the many buildings that make up Monmouth Museum, and donated it to the Museum. It has been copied into a postcard, which is presently available for sale at the Museum’s Country Store. Rita was predeceased by her parents, her daughter, Christine, who died in 2011, and her sister, Leona Dakin Bates, all of whom Rita greatly missed. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Thanks to the nurses and staff at Winthrop Manor for their years of care to Rita. A family memorial service will be held in the summer, at Dead River, where Rita wished to have her ashes scattered. Condolences may be sent to her niece, Nancy Ludewig, P.O. Box 98, Monmouth and any gifts in memory of Rita may be sent to Monmouth Museum, P.O. Box 352, Monmouth, in her name. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com