She was born on May 31, 1947 in Norwich, CT., daughter to the late Ernest W. Gilman Sr. and Thelma (Strickland) Gilman. She graduated from Norwich Free Academy (NFA) Class of 1966 and was married to Kenneth Lowrey on July 25, 1970 at Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown, CT.
A proud member of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians, she lived in Boca Raton, FL since 1982. In 2016 she and her husband moved to the Fort Hill community in Uncasville, CT splitting their time between the two residences. She was doting wife, loving mother and spectacularly fun grandmother. She enjoyed time with her family and friends above all else. She always had a smile and made everyone feel welcome. She was always ready with her sewing machine whether it was a simple hem, replacing a button, making a prom dress for her daughter, bridesmaids dresses for friends to christening gowns for her grand children. She loved to shop and got great joy out of finding a good bargain. She had many adventures alongside her husband across the country. She had an infectious laugh that echoed. She will be missed dearly.
Thelma is survived by her husband of almost 50 years Kenneth Lowrey. She is also survived by her daughter Pamela Bruni and her husband Chris; her son Kenneth Lowrey and his wife Violet and four grandchildren Harrison and Meryl, Jimmy and Emma.
Also surviving are two sisters, Harriet Jones and Gail Boutin and a brother Ronnie Gilman. In addition, her nieces Dawn, Donna and Elaine, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by three brothers, Ernest Jr.(Gilly), Earl and James Gilman and four sisters, Christine Piscatelli, Marie Taylor, Carolyn Gilbert and Eleanor Rowley.
Calling hours / visitation at Church and Allen Funeral home 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT 06360 will be held on Friday February 21, 2020 10am-12pm with the Funeral Service beginning at that time. Burial will immediately follow at Fort Shantok Burial Ground, Uncasville, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Lung Association.
To leave a condolence or sign the online guest book, please visit www.churchandallen.com
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