Evelyn ((Bursten)) Gilman

Evelyn (Bursten) Gilman died Tuesday, November 28, at the age of 93. She was the wife of the late Irving L. Gilman and the daughter of the late Julius and Rose (Kass) Bursten. She leaves her daughter, Jill Mass and her husband Dr. Martin Mass of South Glastonbury; her son, Dr. Howard Gilman and his wife Linda of Jersey City, NJ; her grandchildren, Noah Mass and his wife Nicole, Gabriel Mass, Isaac Gilman, Joshua Gilman, and Jennie Gilman. She also leaves her great granddaughter Sophia Mass. She was predeceased by her sister Gladys Zatzkis. Evelyn was born in Chicago, IL, grew up in Colchester, CT, and graduated high school from Bacon Academy. She was a long time member of Congregation Beth Israel. With her late husband she was a contributor to and supporter of numerous Jewish and civic organizations. Many of the funds and scholarships they established continue on today. Before her long and difficult years with Alzheimer’s Dementia, Evelyn loved to read and passed that love on to her children. She was a gift giver extraordinaire, a most gracious gift recipient, a talented dinner host, and a woman of impeccable fashion taste. She was also a true and generous friend, always there to deliver a meal, give a ride, or do the shopping. She especially delighted in being a grandmother, referring to her grandchildren as her “bonuses.” Evelyn took great pleasure in traveling. With her late husband she visited Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia. Just after being widowed at the age of 61 she courageously took her grandson on an independent tour of London, and 5 years later took another grandson to the Canadian Rockies, providing them with special memories they will never forget. Funeral Services will be held graveside at 12:30 PM on Friday, December 1 at the Hartford Mutual Society Memorial Park, 74 Wolcott Rd., Simsbury. The family will receive friends and family after the funeral at the home of Jill and Martin Mass, 33 Southpond Rd., South Glastonbury and on Saturday December 2, from 7 - 9 PM, with a service at 7 PM. On Sunday, December 3, the family will receive friends and family at the home of Howard and Linda Gilman, 25 Hudson St. Apt 903, Jersey City, NJ, from noon - 4 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guestbook for Evelyn, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.

Service Date: 01/01/1970