Obituary: Elizabeth “Beth” (Leighton) Furlong

**Elizabeth “Beth” Leighton Furlong, 93, Beloved Maine Resident and Community Pillar** *Scareborough, Maine —* Elizabeth “Beth” (Leighton) Furlong, a proud tenth‑generation Maine native, died at her home in Scarborough on September 3, 2026, after a long life devoted to family, faith and community. She was 93. Born at the outset of the Great Depression, Beth grew up in Ferry Village, South Portland, a close‑knit neighborhood that survived the wartime upheavals of World II. Her family home was taken by the shipyard during the war, but the Leightons remained together, surrounded by relatives including Beth’s aunt, Elizabeth Henley Littlefield, whom she called “Aunt Wee.” The two women shared a lifelong friendship that spanned more than sixty years. Beth’s father, Frank G. Leighton, was a celebrated local musician. Music filled the Leighton household, from Sousa marches to Gilbert‑and‑Sullivan operettas and hymns sung at church. Beth’s own childhood was steeped in melody, a love she carried into adulthood. She graduated from South Portland High School in 1948, Westbrook Junior College in 1950, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in 1952. It was there she met future husband Charles R. Furlong—nicknamed “Chuck,” a quarterback on the university’s football team. The couple married the same year and remained inseparable partners for 74 years. During their time at Maine, Beth and Chuck were drawn to Pleasant River Lake in Beddington, a remote spot that inspired Chuck to purchase property there. The family built a camp on the lake, which became a cherished family retreat for more than six decades, with Beth famously remarking that “Camp is my favorite place.” Beth and Chuck raised four daughters—Cynthia, Susanne, Betsy, and Joy—while she balanced a busy household with hobbies that included sewing, gardening, teaching Sunday School, singing in the bell choir, and leading Girl Scout troops. She and her husband also maintained ties with the University of Maine, caring for the pioneering entomologist Dr. Edith M. Patch while she was a faculty member. In 1973, the family moved to West Dean, United Kingdom, where Chuck oversaw a trans‑oceanic telephone cable project for AT&T. The Furlongs relished British culture, attending events such as the Trooping of the Colour and the Royal Ascot races. They returned to the United States in 1976, living in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, until Chuck retired in 1985. After retirement, the couple settled in York, Maine, building a home near Beth’s brothers and extended family. Even in retirement, Beth pursued her passions. Her garden was a frequent feature of Old York Garden Club tours, and she painted landscapes and tolé‑painted antique tins. A devout Christian, she was an active member of First Parish Church in York, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and community organizer. “My favorite day is Sunday,” she would often say, reflecting her deep love of the church and its members. Forty years ago, she founded the church’s annual Christmas festival, a tradition that continues to this day. She also created wreaths and partridge‑berry bowls for the holiday sale, drawing visitors from across the region. Beth was predeceased by her husband Chuck, her parents Frank G. Leighton and Esther Henley Leighton, her brothers Verdi and Frank G. Leighton Jr., and her aunt Elizabeth Littlefield. She is survived by her daughters—Cynthia (Reynolds), Susanne (Stanley), Betsy (Waldheim), and Joy (Dalley)—and her grandchildren Jennifer (Holt), Hannah (Whitney), Charles (Reynolds), Benjamin Reynolds, and Elizabeth Reynolds. Great‑grandchildren Levi, Landon, Lincoln, Addison, Carys, and Asher also survive her, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, September 13 at 3 p.m. in the First Parish Church, York. The service will be livestreamed on the church website for those unable to attend in person. A private burial will follow at the First Parish Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online via the funeral home at . In remembrance of Beth’s generous spirit, donations can be made to the First Parish Church General Fund at: First Parish Church 180 York St. York, ME 03909 Beth’s legacy of faith, creativity, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.