Shirley Thompson Leighton

Falmouth - Shirley T. Leighton of Falmouth, ME, passed away unexpectedly, on Friday, May 3, 2013. She was born in Waldoboro, ME, on Nov 1, 1944, daughter of Lestyn and Lyle Thompson. Shirley 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 August 14, 1965, Shirley married Tom Leighton at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Newcastle, ME. Together they had two children, Kate and Andy. Shirley and Tom have made Falmouth their home for the past 40 years.

Shirley worked at Cuddledown of Maine for 17 years and L.L.Bean for 17 years, retiring from Bean's 3 years ago. She currently owned and operated Pleasant Hill Products. Her creative cat-nip mats and toys are sold in pet and gift shops across the country. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Shirley was an avid gardener, painter, and landscape designer.

Shirley's 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’.

Shirley 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 RJ, and their children William, Andrew and Hannah; her sister Gloria Bowers and husband Ronald; her sister Sandra Thompson and husband David Agone; her brother-in-law Porter Leighton and wife Patricia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, at 11:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME with the Reverend Nathan Ferrell officiating. Funeral preparations are by Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth, ME.

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.