Charlotte S. Gilman

Beloved wife of the late Abraham N. Gilman. Loving daughter of the late Michael and Annie Stanger. Dear sister of the late Ruth, Doris, Irene, and David. Charlotte is survived by her cherished son, Bernard Gilman, and many adored nieces and nephews.

Charlotte lived independently in her apartment in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston until the age of 99. She drove her car until she was 90, but she could more often be found enjoying long walks around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. She was also an avid reader of popular fiction. Always active, she worked for years as a salesperson at Saks Fifth Avenue. She took care of herself well, exercising all her life and finding joy and strength in her time with family.

She raised her son Bernard by Abraham’s side, closely supporting her husband as “chauffer,” personal assistant, and loving companion as he ran the Allston-Brighton Credit Union and worked as a bookkeeper. She took wonderful care of Abraham, especially in the last years of his life. As his brother said, “she was the best thing that ever happened to him.”

From summer days spent at Nantasket Beach to adventures with her sisters in Europe, Asia, and Israel, Charlotte’s family was always at the center of her world. After her father, Michael, died in 1969, her sisters moved from their Dorchester triple-decker to the same Commonwealth Avenue apartment complex as Charlotte. She was a devoted caretaker, and she was also a lot of fun.

Charlotte spent the last six years of her life as a resident of the Hebrew SeniorLife facility in Roslindale, MA where she received excellent care, was treated with much kindness, and was very well liked by the staff.

In remembrance of Charlotte’s life, a charitable donation can be made to the Hebrew SeniorLife, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131 or via hebrewseniorlife.org/TributeGift

Services will be private.