Maureen E. Leighton

In Braintree, originally from Dorchester, died September 15, 2023.

Born in Boston on June 6, 1946, to Frederick T. and Eileen W. (Sullivan) Leighton. She grew up on Howes Street in Dorchester and was a 1964 graduate of Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Emmanuel College in 1968 and went on to earn her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut.

She dedicated her career to helping foster parents and children, first with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and then with the Child Welfare League of America.

Predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Joseph F. Leighton and Frederick T. Leighton, Jr. Sister of Eileen T. Perry of Braintree. Sister-in-law of Marion Leighton of Weymouth.

Aunt of Marianne (Richard) Moore of Halifax, Joseph (Susan) Leighton of Scituate, Michael (Patricia) Leighton of Holland, PA, Christine Leighton of Weymouth, Danielle Perry and her husband Brian Gagné of Braintree, Robyn Perry of Alexandria, VA, Courtney Perry of Alexandria, VA, and Joshua Perry of Abington.

Survived by 13 great and great-great nieces and nephews, and countless cousins including James (Rita) Sullivan of Braintree, Michael (Deborah) Sullivan of Norwell, Mary Sullivan Young of Mystic, CT, Brian (Lee) Sullivan of Weymouth, Patrick (Stephan) O’Sullivan of Salem, Eileen Sullivan Fitzgerald of Milton, and Kate Sullivan (David) Cody of Boothbay Harbor, ME. She will be dearly missed by lifelong friends Mary Ann Skjold of Hingham and Eleanor Strang of Derry, NH.

Family and friends will honor and remember Maureen by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, Saturday afternoon, September 23, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to Massachusetts Wonderfund Inc., 600 Washington Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 or online at wonderfundma.org.