Kathleen M Leighton

Kathleen M Leighton passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025 at The Opal assisted living facility.
She was born September 4, 1947 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Emmett and Margaret Nolan. She graduated from Kenosha Tremper high school in 1965.
Her brother Jim who was in the army, introduced her to John Leighton, who was also in the army. They were married in July of 1968 in Texas. Shortly after John was deployed to Vietnam. They welcomed their son Michael John on May 1st, 1969. Kathy loved being a mom to Mike. She enjoyed Halloween and creating costumes for both of them. She treasured each stage of his growing years, participating in all his activities.
Kathy and John moved to Milwaukee after John returned from Vietnam. She resided there until her retirement and moved to Spring Hill, FL in 2016. While in Milwaukee, Kathy received her RN degree in nursing from Cardinal Stritch college. She was a hospice nurse for over 20 years. She began working in hospice at the first in patient facility to open in Milwaukee in 1981.There she met her dear friend Lil, who was a hospice nurse also.
In 1972, Kathy was showing apartments when Bob and Rita Schneeberger moved to Milwaukee looking for an apartment. They became fast friends and remained so until the end.
After retiring to Florida, Kathy became blind in 2018 from Graves disease. Her lifelong friend Diane Clifford was here for her annual visit. Together with Rita, they took her to Bascom Palmer hospital in Miami. She had surgery on both eyes, which ultimately was unsuccessful. She remained living in her home until a year ago.
Kathy loved Jazz, dancing, decorating her home and animals. After going blind, she along with Janice started a monthly support group at Wellington for the visually impaired.
She is survived by her son, Michael, Oshkosh, Wi, her brother Jim, (Bobbie) Nolan, Venice, FL and many friends and other relatives.
She was predeceasd by her parents and her ex husband John.
A Special thank you to Jenny and Chris Theisen and Bob and Rita Schneeberger, who were always there for her, especially during her recent strokes. She called Chris her "favorite prayer boy".
A celebration of life will be held October 25th at 12 p.m. in the Oak Room at the Wellington club house.