Janet Pearl (Race) Leighton

Janet Pearl Race Billington Leighton September 28, 1940 - October 12, 2023

Janet was born and lived much of her life in Abbot, Maine.  She grew up on the Race family property at Piper Pond in Upper Abbot. She told many fond childhood stories of the family farm, woodlot, and “upta camp.” She graduated Guilford High School and also attend Girl’s State in Augusta.

After marrying Elton Leroy “Sonny” Billington, they lived in the middle of Abbot Village for close to 30 years; raising two sons, Tracy and Gary. Janet was widowed in 1990 and later married Vergil Leighton of Guilford. Twice widowed in her later years, Janet later moved to Norridgewock to be close to Tracy and Kathryn Billington, and their children.

Janet worked for many many years and retired from Hardwood Products in Guilford. She was the Abbot town clerk for many years and was friends with practically everyone in Abbot. She and Sonny also were co-owners of Guilford Sporting Goods.

Over the many years of her life, Janet had many hobbies and interests. She loved the camp at Piper Pond–swimming, boat rides and fishing for white perch. She was a member of the ladies bowling team; a den mother for the Abbot cub scout troop; was an Abbot Pony Club mom  for many years–even having her own pony, Cranberry.  She loved gardening and was particularly fond of her flowers; bird watching; seamstress; painting…  Janet loved to travel and had been to many places; as far east as Prince Edward Island, as far northwest as Alaska, down to Texas and many places in between.  Another of Janet’s enjoyments was to sit at the piano and play tunes by ear. In later years, Janet very much enjoyed chatting with her Facebook family and friends. 

Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Pearl Race; brother David Race (and his wife Ceceila); brother Henry Race (and his wife Elaine); first husband Sonny Billington; second husband Vergil Leighton; and grandson Daniel Billington.

Janet is survived by her sons Tracy Billington and wife Kathryn; Gary Billington and wife Roberta Nelson-Billington; grandchildren Cassie Billington; Nick Billington; Tony Billington (and wife Jess); Patrick Billington and Dennis Billington; Eryn Johnstone (nee Nelson) and husband Greg, Paul Nelson and wife Rose. She is also survived by great grand children Emma and Asher Billington, Weston Billington, and Ella Johnstone.She is also survived by many members her second husband Vergil’s family. I lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Community Fellowship Missionary Fund.

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