Mary Jane Gilman

Mary Jane Gilman died peacefully on December 13, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Norwich, Connecticut on December 10, 1924, the daughter of Albert Evans and Loretta Reed. Mary Jane attended Norwich Free Academy (1943) and graduated from Saint Joseph College in 1947, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She taught English at NFA until she met her husband and soulmate, Charles “Buddy” Gilman. They eloped and were married in Philadelphia on December 2, 1950. MJ may have left teaching to raise her family, but her love of grammar and poetry, art history and love of travel made her a life-long learner.

Buddy and MJ raised 8 children and traveled extensively in their 66 years of marriage. MJ cultivated an early interest in art and antiquities which continued throughout her life. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by family for meals and celebrations. She and Buddy opened their home to a large circle of friends and always found room at their table for a “walk-in.”

Mary Jane is predeceased by her husband Charles, her sister Sally Evans Purfeerst, and her parents. She is survived by her children Kate, Amy and husband Mano Kazakidis, Jonathan, Meg, Evan, Cyrus and wife Kristine Olsen, Charles, and Sara and husband Jay Mallari. Her beloved grandchildren are Alexander (Tess) and George Kazakidis; Marina and Philip Kazakidis; Nathan (Alisha) and Nicholas Gilman; Anthony, Michael and Brian Mazzella; David Gilman; Hannah, Jack and Oliver Gilman; Olivia and Sophia Mallari; (and) great-grandchildren (are) Mason Joseph Mazzella, Kennedy Margaret Kazakidis and Bennett Charles Matthew Gilman. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Rull Smith of Niantic, and her brother-in-law Roger Purfeerst and his wife Pat.

Mary Jane was a member of the Congregation Brothers of Joseph. Services will be held Thursday at 10:00am at Church and Allen Funeral Service, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, Connecticut. Burial will follow the funeral service at First Hebrew Society in Preston, Connecticut.

Shiva will be observed on Thursday, December 15 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Gilman family home in Waterford, CT.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the Gilman family.