Obituary for Ann Gilman
Ann Mather (Collier) Gilman, 89, of Simsbury, wife of the late Joseph Lawrence “Larry” Gilman died peacefully at home with family on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Born May 17, 1932 in Lynn, MA, she was the daughter of the late Edmund J. and Anna (Uzdavinis) Collier.
Ann earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Boston University where she met her future husband, Larry Gilman. Her 45-year tenure at Westminster School began first as a volunteer pianist and organist in 1956, when Larry was appointed music director and an English teacher; and from 1972 to 2001 she was a faculty member, serving as organist, choir accompanist, voice coach, and music director for the drama program. For decades, the Gilmans were a constant presence at Westminster, living on campus and raising their two children, Lawrence and Suzanne, graduates of the school.
Following Ann’s retirement from Westminster, the Ann Gilman Organ Maintenance Fund was established for the school’s chapel organ in recognition of her loyal service. The Gilman Music Lesson Scholarship Fund honors Ann’s and Larry’s service to the school.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joseph Lawrence Gilman, in 2017, and her son, Lawrence Collier Gilman, in 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Gilman, (Gena Taylor) of New York City; daughter-in-law, Susan Apling-Gilman of Delta Junction, AK; grandson, Aaron Apling-Gilman (Kayla Weller) and great-grandson Landon Hayes Apling-Gilman, of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Anne Collier of Wakefield, MA; niece Elizabeth Collier and nephew Matthew Collier of Wakefield, MA; and nephew David Collier of Wildomar, CA. She was predeceased by her brother, Edmund James Collier.
Our family is forever thankful to the Westminster Community for the support and warm, loving embrace they have always extended. There are no calling hours and services will be private. Any memorial donations may be sent to the Gilman Music Fund at Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.
Ann earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Boston University where she met her future husband, Larry Gilman. Her 45-year tenure at Westminster School began first as a volunteer pianist and organist in 1956, when Larry was appointed music director and an English teacher; and from 1972 to 2001 she was a faculty member, serving as organist, choir accompanist, voice coach, and music director for the drama program. For decades, the Gilmans were a constant presence at Westminster, living on campus and raising their two children, Lawrence and Suzanne, graduates of the school.
Following Ann’s retirement from Westminster, the Ann Gilman Organ Maintenance Fund was established for the school’s chapel organ in recognition of her loyal service. The Gilman Music Lesson Scholarship Fund honors Ann’s and Larry’s service to the school.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joseph Lawrence Gilman, in 2017, and her son, Lawrence Collier Gilman, in 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Gilman, (Gena Taylor) of New York City; daughter-in-law, Susan Apling-Gilman of Delta Junction, AK; grandson, Aaron Apling-Gilman (Kayla Weller) and great-grandson Landon Hayes Apling-Gilman, of Anchorage, AK; sister-in-law, Anne Collier of Wakefield, MA; niece Elizabeth Collier and nephew Matthew Collier of Wakefield, MA; and nephew David Collier of Wildomar, CA. She was predeceased by her brother, Edmund James Collier.
Our family is forever thankful to the Westminster Community for the support and warm, loving embrace they have always extended. There are no calling hours and services will be private. Any memorial donations may be sent to the Gilman Music Fund at Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.