Leila Jean (Lancaster) Weeks

HALLOWELL – Leila Jean (Lancaster) Weeks, 90, of Hallowell, was welcomed to her eternal home in the presence of Jesus on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Leila was born May 13, 1933, in Kingman, to Marshall and Helen (Weston) Lancaster. The oldest of four daughters, she had a lifelong love of things theatrical, from backyard performances put on for family and friends as a child, to a love of classic films. A 1951 graduate of Cony High School, a fond memory of those years was her taking part in “Chizzle Wizzle”, the school’s annual variety show.

In 1953, Leila married Malcolm “Bo” Weeks, and together they raised five sons. In the 1960s she began operating a small daycare out of her home. No matter the number of children running about, each one was loved and cared for by “Auntie”.

In 1973, Leila went to work for the State of Maine, starting with the Department of Human Services where she spent 16 1/2 years. In 1989, she moved to the Office of the Attorney General as a Senior Legal Secretary, retiring in 2005. She greatly enjoyed the many friendships formed with co-workers in the course of her career.

Leila was a former president of the George Leadbetter Chapter of the Maine State Employees Association, and a member of the Maine Association of Retirees. She also served for a time on the advocacy board for Patient’s Rights for the mentally ill.

Leila loved life, family and friends. Anyone who knew her knew how much she loved her children and grandchildren. She often said God’s greatest gift to her was the gift of motherhood.

Leila was preceded in death by her son, Eric; two sisters, Loretta Gibson and Leannine Cronin, three brothers-in-law, Kevin Cronin, James Gibson, and James Hall; and by her former husband, Malcolm.

She is survived by four sons, Malcolm V., Mark and his wife, Robin, Lee and his wife, Tish, and Dean; six grandchildren, Ryan Weeks (wife, Melanie), Colby Weeks, Connor Lemay (husband Nick), Vaughn Williams (husband Jonny), Alysha Bates (husband Joel), and Zachary Weeks; and two great-grandchildren, Poppy and Theo Lemay. Leila is also survived by two sisters, Lorraine Hall of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Elaine Tompkins (?of Brunswick??); along with many beloved nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

A small graveside service will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Hallowell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to

Family Violence Project,

Box 304,

Augusta, ME 04332