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Longtime Nikiski resident Mae M. (Garner) Leighton, passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna from natural causes. She was 70.
A viewing will be from 12-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Nikiski Fire Station #2, Mile 26.5 Kenai Spur Hwy. James Baisden and Tim Tolar will officiate. She will be buried in College Mound Cemetery near Terrell, Texas.
Mae was born Aug. 21, 1943 in Paragould, Ark. She graduated from Terrell High School in Terrell and she attended the University of Texas in Austin.
She moved to Alaska in 1970 and lived in Anchorage, until moving to Nikiski in 1978.
She had received the Auxiliarist of the Year and was awarded AUXOP status in 2012. In her younger years, she was an amateur concert pianist. She was also an ardent reader, loved to sew and cross stitch.
"Mae was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt. She lived a full life with her family in Alaska, Texas, and Florida," he family wrote.
Mae committed her life to service within the community as a volunteer with the USCGAUX for over 32 years and with the NFSA for over 25 years.
As a member of the USCGAUX, Mae was Flotilla Vice Commander, Commander, Division Vice Captain, Captain, and Rear Commodore. She held numerous appointed positions within the Flotilla, as well as the District Career Counselor through which she spearheaded the recruitment of high school students for the Coast Guard AIM Program, and appointments to the USCG Academy. She also served as an Instructor, Boat Crew Member for Search and Rescue operations in Seward, AK and participated in Marine Safety Programs to educate the general public.
Mae worked tirelessly on behalf of the Nikiski community for more than 25 years, as a board member, she helped oversee the Nikiski Fire Department. She was extremely proud of the members of the NFD and skill and courage that they brought to the job every day. Her caring spirit and knowledge will be greatly missed by all.
It's hard to put a number on it, but the lives she touched are countless, her dedication not only to the members of her USCGAUX, USCG and NFD, but also the entire State of Alaska was unprecedented and she will be greatly missed.
Her service, love, and care was first and foremost with her family in Alaska, Texas, and Florida. She is greatly loved and will be missed by us all."
Mae was preceded in death by her parents, A.H. and Louise Garner. She is survived by her husband, George Leighton of Nikiski; daughter, Michelle Leighton of Terrell, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Chrystal Leighton of Nikiski; grandchildren, Bryce and McKenna Leighton, both of Nikiski; in-laws, Patsy and Roger Osborne of Inverness, Fla.; and numerous other extended family members.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Nikiski Fire Department, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A great friend and Auxiliarist to all. My condolences to George and family.
Linda Blessin
Manson, WA
October 2, 2013
I haven't seen May for years, but remember her smile and dedication to our community. She will be missed! Blessings and strengh to her family.
Marie Becker
September 23, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Bob Stewart
September 23, 2013
George, Michelle, Scott, Chrystal, Bryson, Mckenna ; Our deepest, sincerest sympathy for your loss. Our hearts are broken and we will dearly miss our precious sister-in-law.
Harrell / Louise Leighton
September 21, 2013
God Bless you Mae. What a wonderful woman. I appreciate the times we got to visit. My prayers are with all of you. Hugs and love, Marcie Curry
September 19, 2013
Dear George,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mae was such a dedicated Auxiliarist and a wonderful friend and supporter of the Coast Guard. I had been looking forward to reacquainting with her upon my return to Alaska later this year. Her passing is a great loss to the entire Coast Guard family.
Sincerely,
CDR Dawna Pearson
USCGR
Portsmouth, VA
September 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Ronny Parkerson
September 19, 2013
Our sincere condolences to George and family. Mae was a wonderful person. Remember all the good times
Becky Moore
September 19, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
September 18, 2013
Our condolences to you George and your family. Mae was a special person.
Dan Winters
September 18, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
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