Jean Ueland Leighton

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Leighton, Jean Ueland Died December 3, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. Jeannie was born in Minneapolis February 12, 1922 to Sigurd Ueland and Julie Plant Ueland. Ancestry included Judge Andreas Ueland of Minneapolis, Clara Hampson Ueland, leader of Minnesota suffrage movement, and Brenda Ueland, noted author. Graduated from West High School in Minneapolis, attended Vassar College and received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Minnesota. Earned her Ph.D. in French Literature from Case-Western Reserve University, which included a year of study in Paris during the historic student and worker protests in 1968. Also during the 1960's lived in Middle Eastern cities of Damascus, Jerusalem and Tiberias, Israel. After receiving her doctorate she taught more than 20 years at Bemidji State University. Her book, "Simone De Beauvoir on Woman," about the French philosopher and feminist, was published in 1975. Among her many passions was a love of French language and literature. To her family and friends she was known to be "charmante et dynamique, intelligente, une bonne vivant tout a fait sans pareille." She was formerly married, first to Robert Pile then Ralph Leighton, Jr., both of Minneapolis. Jeannie is survived by her son Timothy Pile (Terry), Mercer Island, WA, twin sister Sandra Ueland McCoy, Detroit, brother Sigurd Ueland Jr. (Harriet M.), Bloomington, and grandchildren Andrew Pile, Seattle, and Amanda Pile, Minneapolis and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Further notice will be published concerning a memorial service in Minneapolis next May or June.

Published on January 1, 2017