Leighton, Gladys “Vivian” – of Wynn Park Villa, Truro, and Nine Mile River, died peacefully March 12, 2026, in Wynn Park Villa. She was 97. Born in 1929, she grew up in Noel Shore, Hants County, the eldest daughter of Clair and Audrey (Miller) Densmore.
Vivian had a long and productive life. She met her husband, Thomas Leighton, during her first year of teaching, became his wife and homemaker, raising five children. When she and Tom started up Green Valley Campground, she became the business manager, taking bookkeeping and typing courses, learning to use a computer to manage the financial end of the business. During her winter-time free time, she dove into family genealogy, collecting data to round out knowledge of both Leighton and Densmore families. She was active in the community, a congregant of the United Church of Canada, a member of associations such as the Women’s Missionary Society and Women’s Institute and a supporter of other initiatives in the community.
She is survived by daughters, Patricia Whidden, Maitland; and Christine (Havey) Whidden, Riverside, Colchester County; sons, Blair (Patricia), Randall (Brenda Nelson), both of Nine Mile River; Errol, San Diego, CA; grandchildren, John (Michelle) Whidden, Middle Musquodoboit; Benjamin (Pascale Alarie-Vezina) Whidden, Trois Riviéres, PQ; Tamara (Patrick) Kingsbury, Portuguese Cove; Jennifer (Terry) Northup, Nine Mile River; Danielle, Toronto, ON; Chelsea, Calgary, AB; Kelly (Brendan Waddell) Leighton, Lawrencetown, Halifax Regional Municipality; Gillian (Tyson Miller) Whidden, Riverside, Colchester County; Nicholas (Ivy) Whidden, San Jose, CA; great-grandchildren, Danica, Evan, and Breanna Whidden; Malic Whidden and Eléa Alarie-Vezina; Grace (Luke Comiskey) and Olivia (Chelsea King) Kingsbury; Victoria (Liam Crozier) Northup and Emily (Brett) Ryan; Quillan Strob; Tessa Bawol; Owen, Leah, and Macy Miller; Violet, Lucas, and Stella Whidden; sister, Iris Lyghtle; brothers, Roddie (Sharon) and Lorrie (Margaret) Densmore.
She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas; brother, Donovan; sisters, Kathleen Densmore and Moira Forde; son-in-law, John K. Whidden; grandson, Michael Whidden; brother-in-law, Lynfield; sister-in-law, Alice Galley; brother-in-law, Brian Lyghtle.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 19 at 2 p.m. in Nine Mile River Community Hall, 7160 Hwy. 14, with a reception to follow. A private family interment will be held later in the year.
Arrangements entrusted to Arimathea Funeral Cooperative.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
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