Juanita A. Leighton

Juanita A. Leighton passed into the arms of the Lord on September 1, 2013 in Lynnwood Washington. Juanita was born in Seattle on October 20, 1920 and except for brief periods was a lifelong resident. When Juanita was awarded the "Veteran of the Year Award" in 2002, the Commander of American Legion 227, Shoreline wrote, "As a member of our country's greatest generation Juanita Leighton answered our nations call to arms by voluntarily enlisting in the United States Marine Corps". Juanita joined the Marines before they didn't have barracks for women and had to be housed at Hunter College. She served active duty from December 1943 until January 1946 when she was honorably discharged. During her period of active duty she served in Aviation Supply assignments. Juanita returned to civilian life and immediately entered the Marine Corps Reserve. In August of 1950, shortly after the Korean conflict started, she was once again called active duty. Once again answering her nation's call, she served until July of 1951. She is a life long member of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary 227. She is also a Life member of the National and Western Washington Women's Marine Corps Association. Her outstanding accomplishments are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and the American Legion. Preceding Juanita in death are her parents Fred Mark and Edith Marie (Courchene) Leighton, brothers John, Chester, Charles,and Tom as well as her twin sister Jacqueline Steffy. Juanita is survived by sister's Edith "Sis" Moore, Tacoma, Antoinette "Bub's" Urness, Edmonds and Marjorie Cox of Charlestown Indiana as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be truly missed and long remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be held on Friday September 6, 2013 at the Evergreen- Washelli Funeral Home located at 11111 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, at 10am. A Rosary for Juanita will be held on September 5, 2013 at 7pm at Christ the King Catholic Church at 405 N. 117th St. Seattle 98133.