SANFORD — Lorraine M. Little, 80, of Sanford, died Thursday evening, Aug. 21, 2014 at Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford.

Lorraine was born on Feb. 12, 1934 in Colchester, Connecticut, the daughter of Albanie and Amelia (Brisard) LaPanne.

As a youngster, Lorraine moved with her family to Sanford, where she attended St. Thomas Catholic School and then her family relocated to South Berwick.

At the age of 15, Lorraine began working in the local shoe shops. She was a wonderful seamstress, and her natural talents enabled her to own and operator Lynn’s Upholstery and Draperies Shop. She loved people, and this was an opportunity to not only help people with their decorating needs, but many of her customers became friends.

She married James N. Little Jr. in 1967, and they worked side-by-side in the business.

Each Christmas season brought excitement and a sense of urgency. For more than 30 years, she and James were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Their home was open from Thanksgiving Day right up through Christmas, decorated with lights and a festive assortment of ornaments and tinsel.

Lorraine and her husband traveled throughout the United States in their motor home or by car. (James was afraid of flying.) They enjoyed spending time with their children, and Lorraine loved welcoming the new babies to her ever-growing family. She was a devoted mom and grandmother who spoiled her family with home-cooked meals and desserts. Lorraine was independent, feisty, loving and always up for an adventure.

Before Lorraine went out for the day, she made sure her clothes and signature set of pearls were in place. She took pride in her appearance and wanted her husband, James, to look his best when they entertained. She was always available for her family, and she will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, James N. Little Jr., on Dec. 24, 2010; three brothers, Norman, Robert and Gilbert; and by three sisters, Evelyn, Theresa and Toni.

She is survived by: her children, Deanna Mullins, Linda Harmon and Tom Little, all of Sanford, Odesser Schoppe of Isleboro, DeLeslie Jacques of Florida, James Little of New York and Adolphe LaPointe of Rochester, New Hampshire; 26 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren with two on the way; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Florence Hancock; her brother, David LaPanne; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014 at 6 p.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 10 Payne St. in Springvale. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Route 1, Unit 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home in Somersworth, New Hampshire.