UPTON, LESLIE - It is with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that we, her family, announce the passing of Leslie A. (Hutchison) Upton. Born on October 8, 1927 at Chipman, NB, she left us on June 1, 2013 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton following a brief illness. Her's was a long and wonderful life, for which she often expressed gratitude for its many blessings and simple pleasures. The youngest daughter of the late Finley and Nellie (Harper) Hutchison, Leslie lived her entire life in Chipman, NB where she worked as a school teacher and for NB Telephone Company. When only a child, her mother passed away, leaving Leslie and her sister Mary with a lot of responsibility at a very young age, but with a loving father to guide them, they grew into terrific people. Encouraged by the natural beauty of the Chipman area, and nurtured by her father's appreciation of animals, Leslie developed a deep appreciation for nature, not the least of which was a lifelong love of horses. She married Ashley O. Upton on September 4, 1948 and they raised two daughters, Patty and Susan. Leslie was a proud and loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was an active member of the Chipman United Church where she embraced her faith and her church family and served as an elder. She also cooked for many church occasions, including the best rolls ever. Leslie so appreciated the gift of the United Church Choir. They have lost their number one fan. When the years began to catch up with Leslie, she moved into the Shannex residential complex in Fredericton where a dedicated staff ensured the comfortable transition which she so deserved. Thanks also to the staff of 3SW at the DECH during the spring of 2013. Most recently, our sincere gratitude is expressed to the staff of 3E, Palliative Care Unit for their care, kindness and professionalism. Leslie also enjoyed the DECH church service put on for more than 25 years by dedicated volunteers and the wonderful old hymns provided by Marjorie Butler-Gray. Words cannot express our gratitude for the comfort your hospital church service brought to Leslie and all the patients and their families who enjoyed your services. We, her family, wish to thank all those who brought joy to her life and there were so many. A few special mentions and thanks to Connie Webber, Dot Chase, Phyllis Brown, Lynn Boudreau, the Parkhills (Carol-Ann, Dale, Janet, and David), granddaughter Samantha, and Rev. Betty-Jean Friedman. Leslie's positive attitude has set the bar high for her loved ones. She will be missed but has left us with such happy memories. She is survived by her husband, Ashley; daughters, Patty and Susan; her sister, Mary Dalton; grandsons, Jonathan and Jason MacEachern; granddaughter, Samantha Landry; and sons-in-law, Chuck Landry and Ed MacEachern.
Resting at Chipman Funeral Home where the family will receive comfort on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral service will be held from the Chipman United Church on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Betty-Jean Friedman officiating. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Chipman United Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice. Interment will be held in the Red Bank United Church Cemetery following the service.