Emily "Ann" Gilman Stocker Obituary (2021)

AUGUSTA - Emily “Ann” (Gilman) Stocker went to be with her Savior on April 18, 2021 at the age of 72, surrounded by her loving husband of 48 years and three children, after battling cancer in the last few years of her life. Ann was born July 22,1948 in North Conway, New Hampshire, daughter of the late George Gordon and Ruth S. Hanscom Gilman. She grew up in Stow Maine, was a graduate of Fryeburg Academy, and attended University of Maine Orono. Ann and Rick resided in Augusta, Maine for the past 20 years and previously resided in Monmouth, Maine. Ann worked for the Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation Head Start Program for 25 years. She was an active member of Living Hope Presbyterian Church in Brunswick, Maine. Ann is survived by her husband, Rick, three children – Nathan Stocker of Augusta, Elizabeth Hake and her husband Jesse of Harrisburg, PA and Joanna Ledoux and her husband Martin of Durham, NH. She is also survived by her step brothers – Dale and Glenn Gilman; her three cherished grandchildren – Nessa, Tobias and Tabitha; as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces. In addition to her parents, Ann is predeceased by her stepmother Theda S. Gilman and her brothers – Philip and John Gilman. Ann lived with astounding joy and energy, a great love of children, a deep care for others, and for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was hard working to a fault and blessed those around her with her acts of service and care. She cherished her childhood in Stow, Maine where she lived on a small chicken farm, attended a one-room schoolhouse, and spent summers hiking Bald Face and jumping into Emerald Pool. She loved being in the company of her family, friends, and her cousins who were so precious to her. Throughout her life, Ann lived up to her parents’ teasing of her as a girl who loved to show-off and make others laugh, even if it meant a stunt that resulted in a broken toe! She loved hosting Bible studies, game nights, and picnics for her beloved church family. Ann was a storyteller and regularly recited children stories she made-up, and regaled her friends and family with stories from her childhood, and from their time living in Pink Mountain, British Columbia. There they lived in a log cabin built by Rick, on the permafrost where they didn’t have indoor plumbing, the nearest phone was 7 miles away, temperatures would get to -65 ℉ in the winters, and you were treated to the sight of the Northern Lights often. Ann left a legacy as a teacher, writer, and student of the Bible, as well as a loving wife, friend, mother and grandmother. She loved being out in nature, identifying birds, flowers and trees, climbing many of the beautiful New England hills and mountains, always in awe of God’s creation. In Monmouth, she spent long hours tending their expansive, beautiful gardens. She loved to sing and was known for composing silly songs on the spot to the glee of her kids and students. She adored her Lord, her church, her family and her grandchildren. Ann touched the lives of everyone who knew her, offering a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a humorous quip or story, even to those she just met, including scared strangers waiting in the ER who she would give comfort to, even when she was at her sickest. She will be missed by many. Ann’s trust in the abiding love and care of her God never waivered. She was at peace throughout her illness, resting in the knowledge that she would soon be home with her Savior, free of pain and sickness. She indeed could say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 Ann will be laid to rest during a graveside service at the Center Chatham Cemetery, Route 113, East Main Street, Chatham, New Hampshire on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:00 pm. All is welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests, for those who so desire, to donate to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home One Church Street, Augusta where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com