Dixie Henrikson, 84; Co-Founder of Agency for Retarded Children

Dixie Henrikson, 84, who co-founded the nonprofit agency Activities for Retarded Children, died of lung cancer Tuesday at her home in Valley Village, said her son, Michael.

In 1969, Henrikson became frustrated about the lack of activities available for her developmentally disabled daughter, and with another mother formed an organization to address the problem. Henrikson became executive director and Mary Schallert the associate director of the center, which the women formally incorporated in 1975.

Together they organized field trips, athletic competitions and dances for children and adults in North Hollywood, and provided a place where the members could socialize.

“A lot of people think Easter and Christmas parties are enough for these kids, and that two functions a year is plenty. But these kids have the same needs as any teenagers, and other teenagers don’t say, ‘Oh, I’ve been out this month, so I think I’ll stay home now,’ ” Henrikson told The Times in 1986.

Henrikson also conducted the group’s English Hand Bell Choir, which performed at United Way functions and holiday celebrations in Los Angeles over the years, including Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.