LEWISTON – Linda Gilley, 48, formerly of Brunswick, died peacefully on Oct. 23, at Russell Manor, surrounded by family, after a long courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis (M.S.).

She was born in Lewiston on Sept. 29, 1959, and attended schools in Greene and Brunswick. In her adult life, she traveled extensively throughout the United States. Even though she enjoyed seeing new places, she loved best her connection to Maine, and spending time with her family and friends.

She took great pride in raising her two children and doting over her grandchildren. Although the symptoms of M.S. made life increasingly difficult, she always found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, particularly watching her grandchildren grow. To the end, she kept her warm smile and contagious giggle and ended each visit with a parting of “I love you.”

She is survived by her parents, Joan Balliet of Brunswick and Roland Desjardins of Sabattus; husband, David Gilley of Florida; daughter, Tonia Pratt, her husband, Dwayne and their five children, Patrick, Taylor, Tristan, Caleb and Cowen of Wales; daughter, Carrie Gilley of Florida; sisters, Diane Brown of Buckfield, Brenda Larson of North Dakota and Theresa Desjardins of Brunswick; and brother, Richard Desjardins of Brunswick; Linda also left behind a large extended family including mother-in-law, Beverly Stilphen; two sisters-in law; three brothers-in-law; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.