Pauline Harris Gilman, age 87, formerly of Farmington, New Hampshire, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015.
Pauline was born in Pelham, New Hampshire to George and Annette (Cote) Harris. She was one of seven children raised at the family homestead, The Harris Pelham Inn.
Pauline married George "Gus" Gilman in 1949 following her graduation from the University of New Hampshire as a physical education major. They had five children together: Lori Ann, Shelley, Steven, Timothy, and Jean. Pauline also had a home in Port Charlotte, Florida where she spent many happy winters entertaining family and friends at the pool, the beaches, and the golf course.
Pauline taught physical education at Portsmouth, NH High School in the early 1950s; she later taught physical education at Spaulding High School in Rochester, NH before returning to school to earn her Masters Degree in Elementary Guidance. She then became the sole elementary guidance counselor for all five Rochester elementary schools, a profession that showcased her love and affinity for working with and helping children.
Pauline was a very active and athletic person. She was an avid golfer and skier. She also enjoyed tennis, hiking, fishing and was a sought after and passionate chef in the kitchen.
Pauline was an active member of: The Farmington Women's Club, The American Heart Association, The Frisbie Hospital Auxilliary, Chi Omega Sorority, The UNH Alumni Association, The D.A.R. and, her favorite, The Farmington Country Club.
Pauline was predeceased by her husband, George in 1984, her first daughter, Lori Ann in 1953, and her beloved son-in-law, Stephen Merrill in 2004. She is survived by her children: her daughter, Shelley Gagnon and husband Galen, of Portsmouth, NH, her son Steven Gilman and wife, Kathleen Riebe, of Alta, Utah, her son, Timothy Gilman of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and her daughter Jean Merrill of Portsmouth, NH. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Faith Gagnon DiFranco, Allison Merrill Weston, Christopher Merrill, Conor Merrill, Thomas Gilman, and Megan Gilman as well as one great granddaughter, Mackenzie DiFranco.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Rockingham County Nursing Home and the staff at Langdon Place of Dover for their kind attention to our mother throughout her long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
A private memorial service will be celebrated in the spring. If desired, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or The American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Peaslee Funeral Home.