Thelma A. Leighton

LEMINGTON - Thelma A. Leighton, 85, died at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Lemington, Vt., on Monday, September 3rd, 2018, after a long period of declining health. She was born on September 20th, 1942, the second oldest of 4 daughters born to Percy H. Leighton and Virginia (Whitcomb) Leighton. She was predeceased by her three sisters and their husbands – Ina Doolan (Ernie), Irene Tanner(Neil) and Patricia Hilvar(Spencer). Thelma was born and raised in Easton, NH, attended school and graduated from Dow Academy in Franconia. Upon entering the work force, she worked at the Littleton Stamp Company, the Littleton Telephone Company, and then for New England Power Company for many years, retiring from there when she developed macular degeneration in her 50s and was no longer able to work. When they moved their offices to Lebanon, NH, she made the difficult decision to stay with the company, which necessitated learning how to drive, and then commuted weekly between Lebanon and Easton; expertly balancing a career and being a single mother to her daughter. When she retired, she moved back to Easton full-time to take care of her aging mother, and managed the house that her parents had built together. After the death of her mother, she made the decision to sell the house and moved to Colebrook to be near her daughter and family. She helped care for her three grandsons, and was always looking for anything to do to help, even helping pick up and rake rocks on the football field in Columbia when her son-in-law helped get a football team started, and cheered on all three grandsons at every game she could get to. As her health began to deteriorate, she came to live with her daughter and son-in-law until her passing. Thelma is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Charles Young of Lemington, three grandsons, Sebastian, Dominic and Josiah, and special “grandson” Brandon Cross. She is also survived by another very special grandson, Eric Ward of Errol, NH; special niece Lori Sherburn (Stanley) of Franconia and niece-in-law, Kathy Doolan of Georges Mills, and a very extended loving family of nieces, grand-nieces & nephews, step-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives. Her daughter states that she “was the nicest person I ever knew,” with never a negative word for anyone. She maintained contact with many of her relatives and co-workers, sending birthday cards and Christmas cards, and giving an occasional call to see how they were doing. Thelma was predeceased by a special friend, Herbert G. Brooks of Franconia, her father and mother, her three sisters, a nephew and niece, cousins and other dear friends and relatives. There will be no public calling hours. Burial will take place in the Kinsman Valley Cemetery in Easton, with a Celebration of Life to be held at a time and place to be determined by the family. The family asks that if anyone wishes, contributions in Thelma’s memory be made to the Orleans/Essex VNA & Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport VT 05855, who helped tremendously with her care so that she could remain at home; or to a charity of their choice, as she had many charities that she supported. Arrangements are being made under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Thelma A. Leighton

September 20, 1932 - September 3, 2018