LEESBURG, Florida —Mary Alexandra Lehto Hathaway, 77, passed away January 20, 2022, in Leesburg, Florida after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Mary was born March 22, 1944, to Olga Maria Repo Lehto and Altti Aleksanteri Lehto(nen) in Washington, Maine. She was predeceased by her parents and her half-siblings Edna Lehto, Sisko Lehto Lake and Kauko Lake.

Mary graduated from Union High School in 1962 and married Craig A. Leonard later that same year. Together they raised three children in Midcoast Maine. Mary worked hard her entire life, on family farms and in several family businesses. Later, she worked for the Maine Department of Human Services, where she retired in the late 90s.

In 1998 she married Richard N. Hathaway, and the two traveled for several years between Maine and Florida, eventually settling in Okahumpka, Florida. Mary and Dick were active in the church, American Legion, and the VFW.

Mary is survived by her husband Richard of Okahumpka, Florida; three children, Lori Leonard Taylor of Appleton, Craig L. Leonard and wife Justine of Freedom, and Dean A. Leonard and wife Carrie of Union; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many stepchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Mary was loved and cherished by family and friends and will be remembered by many for her strength.

A celebration of life will be planned in the spring in both Florida and Maine.