Reta Louise Leighton

Reta was born in Windham, Maine, to Elizabeth Worthley and George Libby. She attended Windham schools until her junior year of high school, when she moved to Portland and later graduated from Portland High School. In 1948, she married Robert Clifton Leighton, and the couple made their home in Yarmouth. Reta remained in that home until 2010. She retired from JJ Cleaners in Yarmouth and also operated a home-based alteration business, providing tailoring services for many women in the area. Reta was a devoted member of First Parish Congregational Church. She was active in numerous organizations and social groups throughout her life, including the Fortnightly Club, the Girl Scouts Silver Trefoil, the Red Hatters of Freeport, and her longtime monthly card group.

Reta was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her parents; her sister, Lois Lydon; her half-brother, Dewight Worthley and his wife, Olive; and a half-sister. She is survived by her daughter, Regina Grenier, and her husband, Clifford; as well as her nephews, Peter Sullivan and Paul Lydon.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Matthew Dugan and nurse Christina for their compassionate care throughout Reta’s three cancer diagnoses. They also wish to thank her former physician, Dr. Wesley Johnson, and the staff of Andwell Health Partners for their exceptional end-of-life care.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main St. in Yarmouth.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Reta’s memory may make a donation in her name to Girl Scouts of Maine, 138 Gannett Drive, South Portland, ME 04106.