general info

Ella Mae Stevens Leavitt

Ella was born July 7th 1941 to Mr & Mrs Newton K Stevens in Biddeford Maine.  She graduated from Biddeford HS in 1959, having distinguished herself in athletics, music and academics.  She attended Gray’s Business College in Portland and upon graduation joined the United States Marine Corps.

As a Marine stationed at Parris Island, Ella demonstrated what have become lifelong patterns.  She enjoyed working as data entry clerk in the supply system for the base and personnel.  She created a circle of friends with whom she remains in contact. Ella was busy when not at work.  She taught CCD class and was an active chorus member.

After her tour in the Marines, Ella returned home and attended University of Maine.  She also joined the 10th Engineering Company of the Marine Reserves.  For decades, the Reserve Training Center was where Martin’s Point is now. Her reserve unit flew out of NAS Brunswick to Camp LeJeune N.C. during the yearly two weeks active duty.

During her Marine Corps service at the Portland Maine facility, Ella met and later married a fellow Marine, Warrant Officer Franklin C. Leavitt, Jr.  The were married for 53 years until his passing in 2021.  This marriage made a seismic change in Ella’s life. Besides assuming and “instant” family, she remained in Maine while her husband went to Vietnam. Ella Mae gave birth to her first child, Ella Marie while he was away in 1967.  Franklin returned home from war, and the reunited family, including new baby, moved to a house in Topsham.  This house is where Ella continues to reside and enjoys maintaining the house and grounds.

Regardless of the commitments to her husband and children, Ella’s community involvement, desire to work and support of veterans never waivered.

Examples of community involvement included painting and filling the window boxes at Town Hall, serving on the Topsham Housing Committee and working the polls during elections.  She also served on the Topsham Bicentennial Committee.

Her desire to work was filled by jobs and volunteer positions over the years.  L.L. Bean, BIW, and Bowdoin College are some of the places that she worked, gaining new friends.  As with her Marine friends, Ella remains in touch with her fellow workers from years ago.

Ella’s patriotism, pride of her own service and passion to acknowledge and honor veterans ,aer her an excellent choice for the Grand Marshal honors.

Most often Ella’s service, participation and fundraising efforts are focused on veteran’s and military needs.  Beginning with attending church on BNAS- a member of the choir, and volunteering many hours at “Personnel Services”.  She joined and was active in several Veteran organizations, including Topsham Post 202, where she has been a member for 42 years.  Her assistance behind the scenes has added personal touches to the Legion Building and to the activities.  This includes helping with the VFW fundraising efforts.

Ella also is a member of the Navy Wives Club and the Marine Military Historical Society.  She is a lifetime member of the Women Marine’s Association, serving as the secretary for the Maine branch.

One of her most successful and influential projects began with Ella as a charter member of the Women’s Memorial in Washington DC.  Ella has been (and continues to be) a steadfast advocate of increasing membership of the Women’s Memorial as well as countless efforts to fundraise.  She has personally donated the fee to register Women veterans and record their service in the data at the memorial. Through Ella and her peers across the country, the Women’s memorial became a reality.

Please join us in celebrating Ella’s contributions to her community, through service to the town, military and country.

Semper Fi