SOUTH THOMASTON – Mary Jeannette ‘Jan’ Gilliland, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.  

Born in Lewiston, September 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Celina Sutton Hermann.

Growing up in Lewiston, she moved during high school to Portland, graduating from Portland High School. Jan later attended Mass General School of Nursing.  

Jan began her long nursing career in Washington State before moving to Yuma, Arizona. There she met her soul-mate and best friend John Gilliland, an Air Force aircraft mechanic serving during the Korean War.

John and Jan were married on February 8, 1958. Together they enjoyed over 61 years of marriage, raising four girls and four boys, as well as a few others that Jan brought into her loving home.  

In June of 1985, the couple relocated to Maine, settling in their forever home on Hayden Point in South Thomaston. During this time, Jan was employed as a nurse at Pen Bay Medical Center, retiring from there in 1995.

After retiring, Jan took up golf. She became so good, she even won the Ladies Samo Cup, having her name displayed on the coveted winner’s board at the club.

Jan took great pride in her home and created beautiful gardens and landscapes all around her. She loved nature and animals, especially her tuxedo cat, ‘Winston’ and her pug dog ‘ Hunny’, both of whom brought her great comfort in later years. Earlier in her life, she was involved in breeding both Bassett Hounds and Saint Bernards.

Jan was strong and steadfast in her beliefs, a feminist with a fighting spirit. She was extremely frugal, but generous at the same time, giving to many charitable organizations, especially the Salvation Army.

Her children remembered fondly that their mother was adamantly against gambling when they were growing up, even making them play poker with match sticks, not pennies.  It has become a well-loved and re-told family story that when, after just one trip to Las Vegas with her son, Jan was hooked, taking trips to the local casinos as often as possible. She also enjoyed traveling and ‘RVing’ with her husband.

Her light, laughter and love will be immensely missed by her entire family, and all who loved her.  

Predeceased by her beloved mother, her two sisters, Irene and Marie; a son Daniel Gilliland, and a grandson, Justin Clark; Jan is survived by her husband and life companion, John Gilliland of South Thomaston; her children, Thomas Gilliland of South Thomaston, Joseph Gilliland of Winslow, John ‘Jamie’ Gilliland, II of Farmingdale, Nancy Johnson and her husband Bryan of Tracy, CA; Donna Feener and her husband Chris of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Daniel Gilliland, Jr. and his mother Gail Hathaway, Ashley Clark and her father Scott Clark, Kelsey Nelson, Chandler Breton, Jack Breton, Tanner Gilliland, Bryce Gilliland and Stephen Cross; a special niece Celina Worman of Pace, FL; as well as many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, November 16, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  Private interment will be held at Village Cemetery, South Thomaston. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to the Salvation Army, 27 Payne Road, Rockland, Maine or to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04841.  

To share a memory or condolence with the Gilliland family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.