Adele Elizabeth Leighton, 70, of Franklin, New Hampshire, passed away on April 29, 2026, at Concord Hospital following a period of declining health.

Born on March 15, 1956, in Rolla, Missouri, she was the daughter of Haven Lougee and Mickey Emerson Fiedler. Adele, affectionately known as ‘Dell,’ was a longtime resident of Alton, New Hampshire, and a graduate of Alton High School. She was also part of a longstanding New Hampshire family with deep roots in the Bridgewater area, where several generations of relatives continue to reside. She attended the Empire Beauty School in Laconia and began her career as a hairdresser before starting a long career at the State of NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) where she built lasting friendships and took great pride in her work.

Adele was a creative and spirited person who found joy in making jewelry, painting, and cooking. She had a deep love for music, flowers, animals, the ocean, and delighted in thrift store shopping and her daily Diet Pepsi. She also enjoyed traveling and created many cherished memories on trips to Virginia Beach, the western United States, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and, most recently, on a cruise to Mexico and the Panama Canal. Her quick wit and sense of humor were hallmarks of her personality and will be missed by those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving sister, Courtney Fiedler, and her partner, Roland Lessard, as well as her three beloved cats, Suki, Sammy, and BooBoo.

She was predeceased by her husband, Philip Leighton, who passed away in 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Adele’s name to Live and Let Live Farm and Sanctuary, 20 Paradise Lane, Chichester, NH 03258.

There will be a small private burial. A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.peasleefuneralhome.com