Marilyn E. (Singer) Gilman

On December 10, 2015, Marilyn Gilman passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends in her home in Upper St. Clair.

She was born on April 8, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Beatrice and Leo Singer.

Marilyn graduated from James Madison High School in 1957.  On September 21, 1958, she married Edward Gilman.  Marilyn graduated from Brooklyn College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and began working as a social worker for New York City.  In 1966, she and her family moved to Gent, Belgium for five years, where her husband attended medical school.  Marilyn taught English, music, and art for the NATO and SHAPE schools in Belgium to support her family.  Upon returning to the United States in 1971, she rekindled her passion for oil painting and writing.  In the 1980s, three of her novels were published by Zebra Books.  In 1988, at the age of 48, Marilyn continued her education by attending Duquesne Law School and earned her Juris Doctorate.  Her legal career, which focused on family law, lasted for twenty four years until the summer of 2015, when ill health mandated her retirement.  Marilyn was a champion of those who were less fortunate or privileged.  In 2015, she received the Washington County Bar Association Pro Bono award for legal services donated to clients who would otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.  Marilyn was a member of the inaugural class of the Washington County C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) chapter, volunteering to be a voice for neglected and abused children in Juvenile Court.

Marilyn’s other passions included reading, gardening, and antiquing, for which she canvased the countryside and estate sales looking for bargains with her buddy, Daneen Calhoun.  She also cared deeply for her synagogue, Beth Israel, where she was on the Board of Directors for many years.

Marilyn had three children, Gary (Kathy Emery) Gilman of Canonsburg, Steven (Julia) Gilman of Erie, and Neil (Sherraine) Gilman of Converse, Texas, who passed away on January 15, 2015.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ian, Hannah, George, Abby, Sam, Caitlin, and Leila; several nieces and nephews; and her dearest friend of seventy years, “Aunt” Carol Krieger.

In addition to her son and parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Susan Covey.

A memorial service will begin at 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 26, 2015 in Beth Israel Synagogue, 265 North Avenue, Washington where a catered reception will follow.

Memorial donations may be made in Marilyn’s honor to the Wounded Warriors, C.A.S.A. of Washington County, or the A.S.P.C.A.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Lin Webb funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120.