AUGUSTA — Florence A.J. Gilman, 95, of the Woodlands in Hallowell, and formerly of Readfield, died Wednesday, May 8, at MaineGeneral Medical Center.
She was born in Litchfield, Oct. 31, 1917, the daughter of Alonzo and Bessie (Buzzell) Ridley.
A homemaker who spent most of her life in Readfield, she married Sylvester (Spider) Gilman Sr. in 1934. Florence enjoyed antiquing, garage sales, gardening, harness racing and going to the casinos.
She also enjoyed traveling. She visited Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, Alaska, Bermuda and many other places in both the United States and Canada. She was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association and Guys and Gals in Readfield.
Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt and leaves many great memories for her family including the hosting of many family gatherings.
She is survived by three daughters, Lillian Wight of Jay, Jean Clark and her husband, Steve, of Readfield and Joan Paige and her husband, Campbell, of Rochester, N.H.; a daughter-in-law, Kay Gilman of Readfield; 12 grandchildren, Sonny Gilman and his wife, Becky, Norma Gilman, Barbara “Bebe” Rich, Joyce “Josie” Knowles, Debra Jackson and her husband, Barry, Ronda Palmer and her husband, Mike, Greg Piper and his wife, Dot, Wayne Piper and his wife, Cathy, Kevin Piper and his wife, Tami, Pam Kelly and her husband, Mike and Daniel Paige and Donna Paige; 27 great-great grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Sylvester Gilman Sr.; a son, Pete Gilman Jr.; three sisters, Frances Ivers, Eleanor Damren and Rose Cram; three brothers, Merton, Carl and Carroll Ridley; a great-granddaughter, Katie Piper; two great-grandsons, Jake Pomeroy and Eric Rich; and a son-in-law, Gerald Wight.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff on A1 at MaineGeneral Medical Center and at the Woodlands for their excellent care and kind compassion.
Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
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