Marian Irene (Fuller) Gilman, age 93, peacefully completed her life journey June 2, 2018 at her daughter’s Michigan home, surrounded by loving family. Born March 13, 1925, Marian was the “forever sweetheart” and devoted wife of the late Richard A. Gilman. She is predeceased by her parents Esther and LeRoy Fuller of Athol, MA.

After helping to raise her two siblings, Geraldine and Gerald (twins), Marian led a full and enriching life. During WWII, Marian left her position as an esthetician to support the war effort as our very own “Rosie the Riveter”. Over the years, she was actively involved in the community, church and school systems. She served as a camp counselor, a Brownie Scout leader and was a member of the Congregational Church in Amherst, NH and the Methodist Church in Milford, NH. Marian’s love and passion for children lead to her work as a paraprofessional with special needs children and adults in the community and the Milford, NH school district. She also tutored children and taught reading to adult learners. Marian and her husband, Richard, hosted children from the Fresh Air Program and the Nashua Children’s Orphanage, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and several Senior Citizens Centers. Marian loved reading, hooking rugs and Tole painting. She enjoyed swimming (until 89 years old), cross country skiing, ice skating, and hiking with family and friends.

Marian was a devoted mother, Nana and great Nana. She is predeceased by her son, Russell B. Gilman and survived by 3 children – Candice (Cruz) and her husband Robert, Jacqueline (Lavoie) and her life partner Domenic Piso, Timothy and his wife Margie; 8 granddaughters – Kelly, Leslie, and Colleen Cruz, Amanda, Heather and Jessica Gilman, Sara Lavoie and Mary Jane Pearson; 2 grandsons – Wade McLaughlin and Joshua Lavoie; 7 great grandchildren – Alexis, Andrew, Avri, Willow, Teagan, Finley and Peyton. “Nana” is also missed by her “guardian”, the family Great Dane “Riley”. Fond memories of Marian’s love of Dove dark chocolates, animal crackers and whipped cream, along with instilling the importance of family and helping others, are gifts that will be treasured forever by her family.

Arrangements: Combined memorial services and interments for Marian, and her “Forever Sweetheart” Richard, will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH at a later date. Because of the laughter and daily smiles Marian always experienced while viewing the story, daily videos and photos of “Esther the Wonder Pig”, donations may be made in her memory to: The Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 279, Campbellville, Ontario, CANADA, LOP 1BO https://www.happilyeveresther.ca/donate/ or any animal related charity of your choice.

The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements.