Andover, MA- Irene J. (Bernard) Gilman, 94, died peacefully Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the Prescott House Nursing Home in North Andover, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 11, 1916 in Lawrence, Irene was the daughter of Archie and Amanda (Roy) Bernard. Irene was raised in Methuen but spent most of her life in Andover. Irene was the youngest and last surviving member of 7 siblings.
Irene was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who devoted her life to her home and family. Her love and spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and will always he remembered as mémè to everyone who loved her. She was a communicant of St. Lucy’s Parish in Methuen and an expert seamstress, both outside the home, and especially for her family. She also enjoyed baking, canning, and most importantly spending time with her family.
The widow of the late Ralph P. Gilman with whom she shared 60 happy years of marriage until his death in 2002, Irene is survived by her 3 children, Brian R. Gilman and his wife Cheryl of Methuen, Sharon Collins of Haverhill, Sandra M. (Gilman) Leland and her husband Elbridge of North Andover, daughter in-law Carol Landry of FL, wife of the late Bruce E. Gilman, 7 beloved grandchildren, Tracie, Justin, Brandon, Chad, Todd, Elbridge, and Lancing, and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express a special thanks for the love and care given to Irene by Shari LaRoche,the Prescott House administrator, all the nurses, CNA’s and the entire staff, and especially those on the C-Wing.
Irene will now be happily reunited with her husband Ralph, and son Bruce.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, February 3rd from 4-8 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence St., Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 4th at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy’s Church with burial to follow at North Maplewood Cemetery in Plaistow, NH. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may make donations in Irene’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit www.stjude.org/donations. For directions or to leave an online condolence, story, or message, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com