1921 – 2014

AUBURN — Gertude “Jean” Leavitt, 92, of Green Pond in Oxford, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 27, at the Hospice House.

Jean was born in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England, the daughter of Albert and Gertrude Jackson, on Dec. 6, 1921. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Geoffrey Jackson.

In 1939, Jean joined the British Army and served for four years during World War II as a driver in charge with the 477th Battery, attached to the 142nd Royal Artillery Regiment. She drove a 10-wheeler transporting munitions, bombs and supplies to the British troops. She met S. Gordon “Jim” Leavitt as he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. They were married on April 15, 1945, and came to the U.S. in 1946. They spent the next 55 years together, until Jim’s passing in 2001.

Jean had an incredible passion for baking and worked many years at Hebron Academy as their resident baker. Upon her retirement, she and Jim traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada in their RV. They enjoyed camping and fishing and spent many summers at Deer Farm Campground in Kingfield. Jean enjoyed baking, cooking and knitting for her family, friends and the church.

She will be sadly missed by many people, as her joy for life was infectious and she touched nearly everyone she met. It is comforting to know that she and Jim are together once again.

She is survived by her two sons, Robie and his wife, Glendeis, of Winter Springs, Fla., and Richard and his wife, Kelly, of Sabattus; five grandchildren, Sarah, Lindsay, Amber, Richard II and Robie; and nine great-grandchildren.