VERONA ISLAND – Ellen J. Gilman 77, died peacefully Nov. 20, 2009, surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born Aug. 21, 1932, in Bucksport, daughter of Albert F. and Gertrude M. (Moreau) Chavaree. Ellen did not only have a huge family; she had a huge heart. For many years she worked as a certified nurse’s aide doing in-home health care. She started every day with going out to breakfast at Just Barb’s. For a longtime, Wednesday was her bowling day for a local women’s league. Ellen had a special seat in her home, where she sat so she could see the birds that she feed faithfully and watch the planes fly over. Every trip to Bangor would end at Pepinos. Our nana had many battles and cancer was one of them. She was strong, loving and caring. Nana would always say, “If you have cold hands then you have a warm heart,” and indeed she did. Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Lawrence A. Gilman Sr. of Verona Island; her nine children, Larry Gilman of Bucksport, Debbie McAllian of Bucksport, Edward Chavaree of Colorado, Mike Chavaree of Dexter, Terrilee and Tim Staples of Brooklin, Lorraine and Jim Northrup of Frankfort, Amelia and Bill Nadeau of New Hampshire, Lawrence and Audrey Gilman Jr. of Hancock, and Mark and Shani Gilman of Carmel; two brothers, David and Margaret Chavaree of Bucksport and Carl Chavaree of California; sister, Dawn Carley of Bangor; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Paul Chavaree and Robert Chavaree; and two sisters, Mary Greene and Pauline Allard. The family gives a special thank you to Terrilee, Audrey and Tammy for the dedication and heart that they put into our mother. Also a thank you to hospice, especially Connie and Mary Ellen, for making the last days comforting. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport, with Pastor Peter Remick officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Bucksport. Donations in her memory may be made to Mitchell-Tweedie, P.O. Box A, Bucksport, ME 04416.
ELLEN J. GILMAN
