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 of Olongapo, Philippines, Miriam A. Ayers of Scarborough, David A. Leighton of Naples, Deborah J. Ragozzino of Rexford, N.Y., Barbara L. Anatra of Wellington, Fla., and Jeffrey S. Leighton of Scarborough; her beloved sister, Helen L. Wallace of Virginia Beach, Va.; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a grandson.

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 Road, 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, ME 04074 or Gosnell Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 040074 or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074.