FALMOUTH — Shirley T. Leighton, 68, of Falmouth, died unexpectedly May 3.

She was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Waldoboro, a daughter of Lestyn and Lyle Thompson. She attended elementary school in Friendship and graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1963. She attended the Portland School of Art and was an accomplished artist.

On Aug. 14, 1965, she married Tom Leighton at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle. Together they had two children, Kate and Andy. Leighton and her husband have made Falmouth their home for the past 40 years.

Leighton worked at Cuddledown of Maine for 17 years and L.L. Bean for 17 years, retiring from L.L. Bean three years ago. She owned and operated Pleasant Hill Products and her creative cat-nip mats and toys are sold in pet and gift shops across the country. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Leighton was an avid gardener, painter, and landscape designer.

Her greatest joy was spending time at the Leighton’s summer home in Harpswell among her lovely flower gardens with her grandchildren. Every morning Curtis Cove would be filled with grandkids swimming, boating and kayaking with their beloved ‘Nonnie’.

Leighton is survived by her husband of 48 years, Tom Leighton, of Falmouth; her son, Andy, and his two children, Cooper and Teagan; her daughter, Kate, and husband, R.J., and their children, William, Andrew and Hannah; her sisters, Gloria Bowers, and husband, Ronald, Sandra Thompson, and husband, David Agone; her brother-in-law, Porter Leighton, and his wife, Patricia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held May 13, at the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Falmouth, with the Reverend Nathan Ferrell officiating.

A Shirley Leighton Memorial Fund has been established for Cooper and Teagan Leighton. Donations can be made at any TD Bank location, in lieu of flowers.

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