Virginia W. Kief, 85, of Soule Street. formerly of Ellsworth and Sullivan, died Wednesday, April 25, 2001, at a local nursing facility in Portland following a brief illness. She was born in North Sullivan, a daughter of Alfred and Eunice Bowden Leighton.

Ms. Kief attended Sullivan schools. She worked at Burnham & Morrill Co. in Portland for many years. She had also worked at the former Osteopathic Hospital on Brighton Avenue in Portland. Ms. Kief wintered in Florida for 20 years, where she was a nanny. She most recently worked at State Street Grocery in Ellsworth three years before moving to South Portland, where she has resided for the last 10 years. She was a member of The Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland. She enjoyed reading, dancing, and crafts.

She is survived by two sons, Ernest Perry of Biddeford and Leighton Perry of Sorrento; one sister, Helen Hatt of Machias; she is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

There will be no visiting hours. A private graveside service will be held at Gordon Cemetery in Sullivan. Arrangements are by Hay & Peabody Funeral Home, Portland.