Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Evelyn Leighton Obituary
Leighton, 93
SCARBOROUGH -- Evelyn Kristine Leighton, 93, died peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2011, at Scarborough Terrace surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 7, 1918, the daughter of the late Ludwig and Eleanor Westwig of Norway. Evelyn was a first generation American and very proud of her Norwegian heritage.
Evie, as many called her, moved to South Portland in 1938 with her family after graduating from Edison High School in Minneapolis, Minn.
A short time later Evelyn met the love of her life, Verdi L. Leighton. They were married for 53 years, until his death in 1993. They raised six children in Cape Elizabeth and York. After her husband's death, she moved to Teal Point in Scarborough to be closer to her family and lived in her condo independently before moving to Scarborough Terrace a couple of years ago.
Evelyn was very creative and talented with a multitude of hobbies. Her handmade projects included knitting, quilting, crewelwork, embroidery, rug hooking, painting, canning, and sewing, all self-taught. She was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed feeding a crowd. Other interests were reading, dancing, bowling, golfing, gardening and traveling all over the world with her husband and friends.
Evelyn was a deaconess at the First Parish Church in York. She was a lifelong member of the Sons of Norway, various garden clubs and quilting and rug hooking groups.
She is survived by her loving children, Bruce F. Leighton (Yvonne) of Olongapo, Philippines, Miriam A. Ayers (Robert) of Scarborough, David A. Leighton (Heather) of Naples, Deborah J. Ragozzino (Pat) of Rexford, N.Y., Barbara L. Anatra (Joseph) of Wellington, Fla., and Jeffrey S. Leighton (Susan) of Scarborough; her beloved sister, Helen L. Wallace (Cmdr. Robert Wallace, USN Ret.) of Virginia Beach, Va.; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth H. Furlong (Charles) of York; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. A grandson, Robert Leighton predeceased her.
Evelyn leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided continual dedication, love and support that enhanced her quality of life. A very special thank you to all those at Scarborough Terrace and Hospice of Southern Maine for providing this care.
With Evelyn's passing, we remind others that her long life was one to be celebrated. Graveside services and interment will take place at the First Parish Cemetery, York, at a later date. Arrangements by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
For those who desire, contributions in her memory may be made to:
Scarborough Terrace Activity Fund
600 Commerce Drive
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Gosnell Hospice House
11 Hunnewell Rd.
Scarborough, Maine 040074
or Hospice of Southern Maine
180 U.S. Route One
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Evelyn Kristine Leighton
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn Leighton
David Leighton
April 17, 2018
I wish my dad didn't have to uproot the family so far away from Maine so I could have spent more time with Grammy and Grandpa and the rest of the family, whom she fondly referred to as the "Maine"iacs. I always loved the mittens that she knitted for me every winter. I miss you Grammy, Rest In Peace.
Debbie Ragozzino
March 28, 2011
Who knows where the expression, ‘I love you with all my heart’ started, but I am lucky to have been able to say that to my mother. Her wisdom, guidance, great smile and laughter are what I already miss, along with her blue eyes. She will now live in my heart forever…until we meet again. Thank you for your life’s splendor.
Marie & Dick Laetsch
March 26, 2011
We just learned of the passing of your Mom and wanted to send all the family our deepest heartfelt sympathy. She was a wonderful woman and we will miss her, but we have very fond memories to remind us of her. Love to all the family.
Rebecca Moore
March 16, 2011
At Peace
Close your eyes...
Smile at the sun...
Recall the moments...
Our memories embraced by brilliance and warmth.
Rest in peace...
A life long lived...
Now to sleep...
Bound in everlasting love, all dreams realized.
geri taylor
March 11, 2011
dear mimi & family
i was so sorry to hear of your moms passing..
my love and prayers are with you.
love,
geri
Becky Bouderau
March 10, 2011
TO THE ENTIRE LEIGHTON FAMILY-I am sending heartfelt condolences in honor of your mother,grandmother,great grandmother,sister,aunt,and my friend. She will be sorely missed by all of us, but we each have memories that we will cherish forever. After 93 years,she earned her right of passage to be with her beloved Verdi. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. Deepest regards to one and all,Becky B. P>S> What's new Evie is that we are all missing you.
Chris Ayers
March 9, 2011
Grammy, I will always remember you for your sense of humor, words of wisdom, practicality, and tough downeast spirit.
You gave me some of my best memories growing up, including Christmases with the whole family, great times at the beach, and POPOVERS WITH HOMEMADE JAM!
I love you. I have your memory with me. I will see you on the links some day.
Heather (Pennington) Reusse
March 8, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Evie's passing. I will always remember seeing her and Verdi having so much fun with my Mom and Dad (Joyce and Don Pennington). I can still hear her wonderful laugh.
My love to you all.
Jessica Kristine Morgan
March 8, 2011
Grammy, I will forever remember our special times together. You toaught me so much over the years- how to do/make crafts, cook and be a polite young lady. You were and are my role model and I aspire to be as wonderful of a woman as you were. Thank you for all your love and kindness throughout the years we were together. I will forever love and hold a special place in my heart for you. I love you. Jessica "Kristine" Morgan
Joyce Pennington
March 8, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all of you with the passing of your Mom. I remember so many wonderful times I/we had with Evie and Verdi. All the gatherings, cookouts, spontaneous parties, and going out to dinner and dancing with them - and Evie & I doing the "scarf dance"! They both were always so full of fun and laughter! They both were very dear friends of mine and my past husband Don's.
She certainly was a very talented woman with all those beautiful clothes and things she made.
I sure wish I could have seen her more in the past few years.
My sincere condolences - and love.
March 8, 2011
I remember Evie from the time I was very little, and was at her house as much as my own. Evie always treated me like another one of her kids. I found out as an adult what a great sense of humor she had. I'll remember fondly the lunches with Evie, Mimi, and Becky B. We are thinking of all the Leighton family with love. Doug and Sue Clukey
Dave Smith
March 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
March 8, 2011
To my Mother,
Forever I will cherish your love through out my life and I miss you so very much.
You will live forever in my heart,and I have so many memories to honor and celebrate your wonderful life.
I love you always, Barbara
Warren and Donna Kessler
March 8, 2011
We remember so well the fond and loving memories of the 5o's,in your home during highschool with both Mr. and Mrs. Leighton lighting the world with fun and laughter. May the wonderful memories of you comfort your family during these difficult days.
Bob Ayers
March 8, 2011
My deepest and sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. We shared a love of gardening and feeding the birds. Spring cleaning, planting her many flowers, and keeping her feeders full was our special bond. I will miss her immensely.
Mimi Ayers
March 8, 2011
We celebrate your long and productive life with our love and prayers. We will cherish our special memories forever and we miss you. Bob and Mimi Ayers
Bruce Leighton
March 8, 2011
A prayer is shared with all who mourn the loss of our Mother. This from the Philippines.
Bruce and Yvonne Leighton
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Evelyn Leighton's name
Memorial Events
for Evelyn Leighton
How to support Evelyn's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Evelyn Leighton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
