FREEPORT – Irene Leighton Filgate, 88, resident of Runaround Pond Road in Durham, died Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Hawthorne House in Freeport.

She was born May 19, 1920, in Spring Lake, N.J., a daughter of Robert L. and Irene (Corkey) Leighton. She was educated in schools in New Jersey, graduated from Manasquan High School in Manasquan, N.J., and also attended the University of Maryland where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

In 1941, Irene married George E. Filgate Jr., and together lived in Sea Girt, N.J., for 35 years before moving to Maine in 1982.

She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, whether it was hiking various parts of the Appalachian Trail, bird watching or tending to her gardens, Irene was at peace in the outdoors. She also enjoyed traveling, knitting sweaters for friends and family members, and was also an avid reader. She had a very strong talent for the arts and also loved various kinds of music.

By far the most important element in Irene’s life was her family. She kept her family close to her heart and she was very special to all of them.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, George E. Filgate Jr. of Durham; two sons, George E. D. Filgate III and his wife, Patricia Marshall, of Eugene, Ore., and Robert M. and his wife, Janeth Filgate, of Biddeford; a daughter, Carol and her husband, John Furman, of Gray; a sister, Roberta Leighton of New York, N.Y.; and five grandchildren.

Irene was predeceased by a brother, Robert L. Leighton Jr.; and a sister, Suzanne Leighton.

The entire Filgate family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Hawthorne House in Freeport for the care and support they provided to Irene and her family.