STEUBEN – Eleanor Mary Leighton, a lifetime resident of Washington County, went to be with the Lord, at the age of 79, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013. Eleanor was born Dec. 13, 1933, to Ernest and Edna (Bagley) Harrington in Cherryfield.
She grew up in Cherryfield and was a graduate of Cherryfield Academy. Eleanor celebrated her 60th alumni reunion this year. It was also at Cherryfield Academy that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, William Leighton. They were married Oct. 30, 1953. After graduation, Eleanor worked at Bonnie Brook and Tracy’s Motel as a waitress. Later, she began what was to become a 28 year career in the grocery business. Beginning initially as a cashier, Eleanor retired from Gay’s Shop ‘n’ Save in Milbridge, as its bookkeeper. It was here that she met many of her longtime friends. In her free time, sports were a highlight for Eleanor – especially cheering her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! She would travel the entire State of Maine to ensure she did not miss a game. Eleanor also enjoyed years of traveling the United States with Cyr bus trips. When she was at home she also looked forward to being involved in family events like: hunters’ breakfasts; Easter egg hunts; hunting camp; and visits to Moosehead, Springriver, and Schoodic. Often, Eleanor and William would be seen traveling the blueberry barrens together. One of her seasonal highlights was creating fresh blueberry muffins and juice to take to the crew of her son, Leroy. Eleanor was a woman of faith and demonstrated it to her family through her church activity.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Leighton, at home in Steuben; two children, Leroy Leighton and his wife, Connie, and their daughter, Jeannette and her husband, Monte; and daughter-in-law, Karen Leighton, all of Steuben. Eleanor’s most prized possessions were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren, Andrew, Rachel, Heather, Joseph, Benjamin, Peter, Daniel, Matthew, Sarah, Aaron, Emily, Rebekah, and Brittany; and great-grandchildren, Michael, Olivia, Natalie, Piper, Kelly, Kamden, and Paylin. Eleanor is also survived by her sisters, Astrid Espeaignette and her husband, George, and Addie Mae Keene; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father; siblings, Clifford, Ernest, William, Lillian, and Marjorie; and son, William “Bill.”
Visiting hours are scheduled 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the Milbridge chapel of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. A funeral ceremony will begin in the same location at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, with Pastor Art Cotton officiating. Private interment will be held later Unionville Cemetery, Unionville. Remembrances may be donations to: The Church of the Open Bible, 559 Milbridge Road, Cherryfield, ME 04622. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes, Milbridge.
Eleanor Mary Leighton
