M. Laura Gilman

M. Laura Gilman, Appleton, age 102, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at Peabody Manor. Laura was born September 21, 1904, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, daughter of the late George and Emma (Alix) Gilman.
Laura graduated from Mercy School of Nursing, Oshkosh, WI, in 1925. She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years as a private duty nurse. She attained the rank of Major in the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corps, 1944-64, serving in Europe, Okinawa and the United States. She helped one of the first Hmong families sponsored by St. Mary’s to settle in the Fox Valley. Laura was a faithful volunteer at Peabody Manor, the Red Cross, St. Elizabeth Auxiliary, and St. Mary’s Church, Appleton.
She is survived by one sister: Helen Giovannini, Galveston, Texas; one sister-in-law: Lois (Joseph) Gilman, Tempe, Arizona; six nieces and nephews: Mary Ellen Holden, Salem, Oregon; Jeanne (Clyde) Kieffer, Appleton; John (Judy) Giovannini, Galveston, Texas; Ann (Tom) Koval, Houston, Texas; Susan Fergusen, Tucson, Arizona; and Donald (Paula) Gilman, Raleigh, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joseph Gilman; her sister, Ruth (Bill) Kools; her niece, Margaret (Kools) Schierl; and her nephew, Thomas Kools.

A memorial service for Laura will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (312 South State Street) with Father Michael O’Rourke officiating. Visitation will be held directly after the service at the church.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Laura’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Peabody Manor; Sister Joanne Goessl of St. Mary’s, Appleton; and her many friends for their kindness, care and concern.