Beverly 'Bev' Mae Leighton

MADISON-Beverly “Bev” Mae Leighton, age 71, of Madison, passed away peacefully with her loving husband and family by her side on Thursday, May 3, 2012. She was born on May 23, 1940, in Madison, the daughter of Harry “Hap” and Viola (Wagner) Husebo. She married Philip Leighton on March 9, 1957, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Bev graduated from East High School in 1958. She was an Avon representative for 37 years. Bev enjoyed bowling, camping, playing cards, and watching the Packers and Brewers. She was inspirational to her family, and will always be remembered for the love and support she gave to her family. She was looking forward to becoming a great-grandmother for the first time. The family was blessed with the early arrival of her great-granddaughter, Kenley Mae, on May 5, 2012. She enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in all of their sporting events. She and Phil loved their miniature schnauzers. Bev was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Philip; sons, Donald (Janece) and Duane (Valerie Valenza); daughter, Diana; grandchildren, Derek, Craig Pounders, and Jacey (Wade); great-granddaughter, Kenley; and their loving puppy, Buddy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Husebo; and mother-in-law, Julia Mell. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee Street, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, with the Rev. Mark F. Bartels presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare and Home Health United for their wonderful care and compassion. “Grandma, we will miss you always and forever. You were the best grandma we could ever ask for. Thank you for all the loving memories. Love you Gram! Derek, Craig, and Jacey “ We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Cemetery: Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee Street, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, with the Rev. Mark F. Bartels presiding.