Obituary for Mary J. Leithead

Mary Jane Leithead, a lifelong resident of the Newport area, passed away recently after an aggressive battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 77. Born Mary Jane Batchelder on May 1, 1948, in Newport, Vermont, she was the daughter of Wilmer Batchelder and Opal Hunt.

Mary grew up in the Newport community and graduated from Derby Academy. It was there she met Douglas Leithead, whom she married. Together they raised two sons, Brent and James.

Throughout her life, Mary cultivated a strong work ethic and made lasting connections in her various roles. In the early 1980s, she worked part-time at local staples like McDonald's and Village Pizza. She found a community during her long-term employment at the Short Stop in Derby. She concluded her career at Ethan Allen, working there until her well-deserved retirement.

Mary cherished the relationships in her life. Her best friend of over 40 years was Jeannine Besaw, with whom she shared countless stories and memories. She also shared a love for shopping and watching their grandchildren participate in various sporting events with her lifelong friends Jane Moulton and Sharon Blake. Additionally, Mary enjoyed spending time with her special neighbors, Merrick and Ann Labor, often gathering in the afternoons to play cards.

Above all, Mary loved her grandchildren most. She had a passion for cooking and baking and was famous among family and friends for her signature chocolate chip cookie dough balls and no-bake peanut butter cookies. She took every chance she could to care for Arden, Cole, and Charles, creating many wonderful memories surrounded by loved ones.

She was predeceased by her parents; her two brothers, Ira and Junior Batchelder; and her sister, Rena Fletcher.

She is survived by her loving family: her son Brent and his wife, Christine Leithead, and their children, Ben and Claire; her son James and his wife, Wendy Leithead, and their children, Cole, Arden, and Charles. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Gray, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the staff at the Bel Aire nursing home during her final days as well as VNA Hospice.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.