Martha (Bailey) Leighton, a Needham resident for over 44 years died on Saturday November 5th at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston at the age of 81. Born in Dedham, Martha grew up in Dedham attending Dedham Schools graduating from Dedham High School in 1941. Martha later moved to Needham where she was very active in the Congregational Church. For many years Martha was a volunteer at the former Glover Memorial Hospital and continued her volunteer work at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. She received recognition for her dedication, loyalty and thousands of hours that she gave to Hospital. She was a member of the Needham Garden Club and the Friendly Society in the Congregational Church. Martha also enjoyed Gardening, her oil paintings and crossword puzzles. Mrs. Leighton was the wife of the late James G. Leighton who died in 1999 and loving mother of James F. of Needham and Richard T. Leighton of Upton. Sister of Priscilla Bailey Tully of Swansboro, NC. Grandmother of Sally Windsor Leighton of Upton. A memorial Service will be held at the Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Pain Ave on Wed. Nov. 9th at 1:00 PM. Relatives and friend are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers memorials in Martha’s may be made to the Needham Community Council, 51 Lincoln St. Needham MA 02492.