BANGOR – Doris Rose Leighton passed peacefully just shy of her 79th birthday, April 8, 2012, after a brief illness. She was born May 5, 1933, at Village Seething in the United Kingdom, daughter of Arthur and Florence Elmer.
Doris was a “war bride” and met the love of her life, Robert K. Leighton, while he was stationed nearby as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. During their 40-year marriage, they crossed “the pond” several times and managed to raise three remarkable boys. Doris and Bob finally settled in Bangor, and in addition to keeping busy with family and work, they shared their mutual love of gardening.
Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob, in 1993; and her eldest son, Gary, in 1998, both of Bangor. Being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend was always at the core of who Doris was, and she is now survived by her son, Wayne and wife, Lana Leighton, of Bangor; son, Darrell and granddog, Lola, of Portland; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Leighton, wife of Gary, also of Bangor. Her three grandchildren were the lights of her life, Alison Leighton of Dover, N.H., Andrew Leighton of Bangor and Victoria Leighton of Veazie. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law, Ivolene Clapp and family of Maxfield; and her beloved siblings and families in Great Britain. Brother, Gilbert; and sisters, Brenda and Olive, had always remained so very dear to her. Many extended family and friends locally rounded out her strong network of love and support.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, with the Rev. Carl B. Schreiber, senior pastor of East Orrington Congregational Church, officiating. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor, with a reception immediately after at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.