Joan M. Gilbert

Portland-Joan Mary Gilbert (McCullum) died peacefully on June 23, 2015 at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family. Joan, the daughter of Mary Neuner and John D. McCullum, was born in Portland, Maine on July 28, 1929. She was a life-long resident of Maine and was a devout Catholic. In 1949, Joan married James R. Gilbert, who predeceased her. Joan is survived by her many children: Catherine Cronin of Massachusetts, James Gilbert of Maine, Christine Willette of Connecticut, Jeanette Cronin of Maine, Edward Gilbert of Maine, and John Gilbert of Maine. Sadly, two of her children predeceased her, Sylvia Proctor of Maine, and Paulie Gilbert of Maine, whom she loved deeply. Joan is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. One of Joans favorite activities was spending time with her large family at family gatherings, holidays, and dinners. Her great love of family got her through the most difficult times in her life, and because of this, she always managed to persevere and be there for her children. Once her own children had grown, Joan became a volunteer with the Foster Grandmother Program of Cumberland County. Through her volunteer work, she could assist and nurture needy children, and share her love of family with others. With her large heart, she was able to guide and care for many more children beyond her own. Joan loved to sing, and was a member of multiple choirs. She enjoyed playing her harmonica, and especially enjoyed Irish music and dancing. She always had a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. Strangers would be drawn to her because of this, and Joan was always welcoming to everyone. She was always kind to people, often inviting complete strangers into her home to get them out of the harsh, cold winters of Maine. Joan was always kind to animals, especially her own cats, but was also quick to give stray animals a home throughout her life. Because Joan reached out to and affected so many people throughout her life, she had an amazingly large network of friends, family, and acquaintances. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A private interment and celebration of her life will be held for her immediate family in late July. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make contributions in Joans memory to: Saint Josephs Rehabilitation and Residence 1133 Washington Avenue Portland, ME 04103