Betty Anne Clayton

Betty Anne Clayton, 75, died August 30, 2003, at her home following a courageous battle with melanoma.

She was born in Manchester November 8, 1927, the eldest daughter of Frederick E. Leafe Sr. and Wilma (Roberts) Leafe. She was a 1944 graduate of Manchester High School Central.

She enjoyed a lengthy career as a waitress at a number of popular Manchester restaurants, including Ozzie's, Verani's, Aurore's, The Chateau, The 88 and the Merrimack Restaurant.

A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, she also enjoyed her summers at Hampton Beach and spending time with her family and her 10 grandchildren, who dubbed her "Mimi".

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Frederick E. Leafe Jr.

Family members include her husband of 56 years, Robert Clayton, Sr.; a daughter, Nancy Clayton, a paralegal employed with Riverstone Group; five sons, Manchester District Fire Chief Thomas Clayton; Public Service Co.of NH executive Robert Clayton Jr., Union Leader columnist John Clayton, retired Manchester Fire Captain Michael Clayton and NH State Rep. William Clayton, who serves as president of Manchester Professional Firefighters Local 856; five sisters, Natalie McDonald and Janet MacDougall, both of Goffstown; Judith Dakoulas of Manchester, Sandra Duriga of Bedford and Jaye Aither of Exeter; three brothers, Donald Leafe of Litchfield, Stephen Leafe of Manchester and Kenneth Leafe of Jupiter, Fl; 10 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at the funeral home Thursday September 4, 2003.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VNA Home Health & Hospice, 1850 Elm St., Manchester, 03104-2911.