Juanita Gilman

Juanita Gilman, 84, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, surrounded by love.

Juanita was born on February 12, 1941, in Norman, Oklahoma, the daughter of Elmer and Sofia (Polecat) Sinks. During her childhood, her family traveled throughout the Midwest, working in the agricultural fields picking cotton—experiences that helped shape her strong work ethic, resilience, and deep appreciation for family.

In a story she loved to share, Juanita met her future husband, Thomas Gilman, through a pen pal advertisement in Teen Scene Magazine while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps. The two wrote back and forth for several years, building a bond through letters. When Thomas was discharged in 1963, he traveled to Texas to meet Juanita in person—and just three days later, they were married. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage and raised three sons, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith, until Thomas’s passing in 2015.

After being married for just over a year and welcoming their first child, Juanita and Thomas moved to Maine, where they would spend the rest of their lives. Juanita became a devoted member of the Sanford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and worked for several years at Aletta Dress Shop in Springvale. Sewing was one of her greatest passions. She lovingly made quilts for family and friends, donated many to her church for fundraising raffles, and sewed dresses for children—some of which were sent to Africa to help children in need. She also provided sewing and alteration services from her home, always eager to help others.

After leaving Aletta Dress Shop, Juanita stayed home for several years to raise her family before returning to the workforce. Over the years, she worked at Nike Shoe, Marja Corp., and finally Cabletron, where she remained until her retirement at the age of 55.

Juanita was very proud of her Native American heritage and was a member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. She was a deeply religious woman, a Born-Again Christian, and a faithful member of River of Life Church. Her faith guided her life and shaped her generous spirit.

She loved traveling to Texas to visit her dear friends, Sue and Tony, and in her younger years was known as an excellent cook, delighting her family with home-cooked Southern-style meals. Juanita was outgoing and cherished spending time with her mother and husband, especially their weekly trips to Market Basket in Rochester, which often turned into full-day outings capped off with a meal together.

Juanita was known for her generosity and kindness, always willing to give to anyone in need. While she was loving and gentle, she could also be delightfully feisty when the moment called for it. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Juanita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Gilman, Sr.; her parents; and her six siblings, Jack, Marvin, Imajean, Betty-Jo, Raymond, and Rita.

She is survived by her three sons, Thomas Gilman, Jr. and his wife Helen of Alfred, Howard Gilman and his partner Margaret of Alfred, and Robert Gilman and his wife Marie of Lebanon; six grandchildren, Ashley, Tomi-Lynn (Matt), Thomas III (Stephanie), Peter, Luke(Chelsea) and Melissa; three great-grandchildren, Matthew, Colson, Nina and a great-granddaughter on the way; along with many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford, where Juanita will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.