VENICE, Fla. — Jeannette Gilman, 92, of Nokomis, Fla., passed away on July 31, in Venice, Fla., with her family.

She was born in Auburn, April 6, 1918 and was the only child of Clifford and Anna (Juneau) Hobbs. She was educated in Auburn schools. On March 16, 1942 she married Russell E. Gilman. He predeceased her on Sept. 7, 1983. Russ was a professional musician and they spent many of their early years traveling with the big bands of that period.

In addition to being a homemaker and housewife, she worked at Shapiro Bros. Shoe Co. She also worked at Raytheon and for many years she cared for children in the area. Many knew her as “Auntie.” She loved music and loved to dance when Russ was playing at various venues around the state. She enjoyed playing the piano and the organ. She and Russ lived most of their married life in Auburn, but in their retirement years they lived in their “dream” home in Old Orchard. They both had a love and passion for the ocean and generated a second family at their home in Old Orchard. After the passing of her husband she eventually moved to Florida to live with her daughter, Karla. She would return to Maine occasionally to be with family and friends.

Jeannette leaves two daughters, Linda A. Smith and her husband, Norman, of Poland and Karla J. Roy and her husband, Richard, of Nokomis, Fla.; four grandchildren, Gregory Smith, Kimberly Walker, Chad Roy and Robin Tucker; eight great-grandchildren, “Little” Richard Roy, Kelly Walker, Renee Roy, Mandy Roy, Nicholas Walker, Joshua Walker, MacKenzie Downs and Hannah Smith; and three great great-grandchildren, Payton and Richard Roy, Jr. and Joslyn-Skye DeShon. She also leaves two step-great-grandchildren, Bryan Kenney and Stephen Kenney.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Gilman family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.