Leah A Newhouse

Leah was born on February 2, 1936 to parents James and Mildred (Hodgdon) Heffren. Leah was born sixth into a large and loving family of seven children. The Heffren clan enjoyed gathering together over the years and Leah would often host the annual summer get-togethers, until the tradition passed on to the younger generation. Leah was predeceased by her parents and siblings with the exception of her younger sister, Joan Bradstreet. Leah was a loving aunt for many nieces and nephews.

Leah grew up in Pittsfield, Maine where she met the love of her life, George Newhouse. Both attended Maine Central Institute. Leah was an outstanding student who was an active participant in athletics and music while at M.C.I. George and Leah were crowned King and Queen at Winter Carnival in their senior year and they both graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1954. They have been dedicated alumni who have attended many MCI events and reunions together. After high school, Leah went on to graduate as a registered nurse from the New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Boston.

Leah and George married in 1958 and began their lives together. Leah worked as a nurse and ran a bakery from the farm while raising five active children, while George owned and operated Newhouse Egg Farms. As a busy mom, Leah would still find time to host dinner parties with her neighbors and friends as she was a very sociable person. Leah remained at home with her children until they were old enough to attend school. She then became a school nurse in S.A.D. 53. She was a devoted mother and was continually on the go as she kept up with her five children’s busy schedules as well as assisting George in his business.

Leah was a very active supporter of the MCI football team when her sons played, and she hosted many steak and spaghetti team dinners as well as game day breakfasts. She also provided similar support to her daughter Pam’s UMPI field hockey team. She was able to organize large gatherings with delicious food, and she truly enjoyed entertaining. Cooking for a crowd was Leah’s idea of true satisfaction, and she made it look easier than it was. Leah was also an avid reader and was always looking for her next best read.

Leah is survived by her husband of 65 years as well as her children: Pamela Dufour and husband Michael, Nelson Newhouse and his wife Robin, Gregg Newhouse and his wife Laurie, Brent Newhouse and his wife Donna, and Bradley Newhouse and his wife Kellie.

Leah was the proud grandmother of Joshua Dufour, Zachary Dufour, Libby Newhouse, Alex Newhouse, Carolyn Newhouse, Sophie Newhouse, Evan Newhouse, Ellis Newhouse, Samuel Newhouse and Madeline Newhouse.

The family of Leah Newhouse would like to express their appreciation for the wonderful care provided by Kathy Kelly. She has been instrumental in helping us through this difficult time. The family is also grateful for the support of Polly Bertrand who has been a long-time caregiver.

An interment service will be held in the Pittsfield Village Cemetery on October 14th at 3:00 PM, open to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in Leah’s memory to the Pittsfield Public Library. Please make checks out to Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library.