LEWISTON — Catherine Mary Leonard Estabrook, affectionately known as “Kay,” passed away at Central Maine Medical Center, on Friday, June 4. Over the past year she fought a courageous battle with cancer, finally succumbing to the aftermath of treatments.

Although she lived a major portion of her life in New Auburn, she resided in Turner for the past several years. Kay was born in Boston on May 7, 1929 to Arthur and Florence (Galvin) Gramer. She was educated in Boston schools.

She met and fell in love with H. Everett Leonard Jr. They married in 1947. From that marriage emerged three great blessings to her: Maureen Anne, H. Everett III (Lenny), and Dale Jeanne. Mr. Leonard died in a car accident in 1953 at the age of 26. After several years of widowhood, she married Leighton W. Estabrook, and along came five more wonderful gifts: George Drew, Andrea Lynn, Tracy Ellen, Lisa Kay and Tammy Lee. As Kay and Leighton grew apart, their marriage ended in divorce after 29 years. Kay was a wonderful homemaker and the best of mothers.

In her lifetime she worked many jobs. When she was young she worked in a major Boston hotel, meeting many celebrities. She worked at the Salada Tea Company, Jake & Andy’s Bakery, Libby Mill, Bates Mill, Pineland Center, 17 years at Summit Communications, and Schooner Estates.

She was very well liked by people who knew her. She was adored by her children. Her best friend in ALL the world was Linda Ritchie of New Auburn.

She was a wonderful artist — doing portraits that would nearly come to life. She loved trips around Maine with her eldest daughter, Maureen, and her husband, Dave. She actually kept a map, highlighting all the roads she had traveled. She loved feeding the deer in her backyard, dancing, rock and roll and country music, strawberry shortcake, bird watching, Arby’s curly fries, the Boston Red Sox, and pasta. The eternal child in her loved action toys; she collected a plethora of them. What she loved most of all were visits from her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting their homes, playing games, and enjoying the wonderful meals they prepared for her.

Her happiest times were when all of her children and their families were with her at the same time.

She will be remembered most for her beautiful smile and her strong mothering skills. She was a very optimistic person, never letting negativity have a chance.

She is survived by six daughters; Maureen and Dave Campbell of Mechanic Falls; Dale and Paul Bernard of Turner, Andrea (and very-recently deceased Charles Davis III) of Bridgton; Tracy and Russell Gilbert of Buckfield, Lisa and Timothy Gilbert of Turner, and Tammy and Robert Allen of Buckfield. She is also survived by her two sons, H. Everettt Leonard III, and Laurel, of Turner, and George and Diane Estabrook of Auburn. She also leaves many loving grandchildren; Erika Tracy Varle of Minot, Leighton Ray Campbell of Lewiston, Everett Tyler Leonard of Turner, Miranda Fay Ryan of Scarborough, Bethanie Starr Bernard of Turner, Abigail Starr Bernard of Turner, Jessica Rae Estabrook of Biddeford, Cassandra Jo Estabrook-MacDonald of Topsham, Charles Eugene Davis IV of Bridgton, Samuel Robert Davis of Bridgton, Jacob Russell Gilbert of Buckfield, Zachary Lauren Gilbert of Buckfield, Caleb Michael Gilbert of Buckfield, Alexis Rae Gilbert of Buckfield, Olivia Catherine Gilbert of Turner, Sophia Elizabeth Gilbert of Turner, Elijah Clark Allen of Buckfield, and Jedidiah Robert Allen of Buckfield. Kay also leaves nine great-grandchildren behind, as well as a sister, Evelyn Dosheimer of Dedham, Mass., and a brother, Richard Gramer of Boston, Mass. Oh! And we mustn’t forget her much-loved cat, Victoria (Toto.)

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Claire Baiona of Norwood, Mass., her brother, Arthur Gramer of Boston, Mass., a granddaughter, Stephanie Annette (Leonard) Collins of Lewiston, a granddaughter, Olivia Rae Gilbert of Turner, and a great-grandson, Hunter Everett Leonard, of Turner.

In finality, her family wishes to thank Dr. Dickens, Dr. Voisine, Dr. Guadalupi, Dr. Bilodeau, Dr. Erickson, Vickie from Pastoral Care, and all of the caring staff on M-4 for their involvement. She received excellent care from all of the above.