Windsor, VT – Shirley Ann Gilman passed away peacefully at her home in Windsor on September 3, 2026.
Born July 30, 1936, in Montpelier, Vermont, to Edgar Allen and Florence Margaret Jewett, she grew up in a beautiful home perched above Stowe Street in Waterbury. While attending Bay Path College, she met Roger Gilman, a Norwich University cadet, at a dance while home on break. They married in 1957 and moved to Windsor in 1964, where they raised five daughters, all born within seven years. Roger passed away in 2019.
She approached motherhood with remarkable aplomb, volunteering as a homeroom mother, packing brown-bag lunches, baking homemade cookies and bread each week, and never missing her daughters’ countless events and sporting activities. Her home was always warm, welcoming and open to anyone who entered.
She possessed great wisdom and extraordinary intuition, yet was never one to impose her opinions or offer unsolicited advice. When she did speak, her words carried weight. She was a trusted mother, friend and confidante who in her unique way nurtured those around her.
A longtime member of Old South Church, she also volunteered and participated in civic organizations. An athlete in high school, she enjoyed tennis as an adult and later took up golf with Roger. Together they spent many happy days on courses including their home club, JP Larkin CC, and others throughout Vermont and New Hampshire with friends and family.
She is survived by her five daughters: Jody-Ann of Windsor; Sara Swasey of Windsor; Mary (Carl) of Jericho; Jane Hoisington (Emerson) of Brownsville; and Susan DuPlessis (Michael DiPhilippo) of Newry, Maine; as well as seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Her influence was never loud, but it was profound, and the wisdom, steadiness and love she brought to her family will endure.
For a full obituary and to leave a condolence, please visit www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
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