Thursday, January 6, 2022 5:25 am

LEBANON, Maine - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a beautiful lady, Mrs. Carolyn Frances (Badger) Gilman at the age of 96, after a period of failing health related to cancer, on December 27, 2021. Carolyn was born on August 28, 1925, the third child of Charles E. and Hattie D. (Baird) Badger in Boston.

Carol was a woman of strong faith, kind heart and much love. In 1967 she married the love of her life, Ronald Gilman, and together they lived a charmed life. Carol's greatest joys were her children Joseph and Vicky, her special nieces Bonnie and Barbara and nephew Charlie, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many other dear nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Carol and Ronnie enjoyed hiking 28 segments of the Appalachian Trail and were avid campers beginning with a tent and ending their camping adventures with a large Class A motorhome. Carol always took impeccable care of her appearance. People always commented that she looked nice, and she told them her mother insisted if you were going out, you'd better dress up. Her home and yard were stunning, as well. She shared her love of gardening with her daughter who, through that mutual connection, pursued a career as a landscape designer. Ronnie and Carol lived in Dover, N.H., and built a camp on Northeast Pond in Lebanon. In 1978 they sold both homes to build their dream home in Lebanon. It is in that home that they welcomed their large family for Christmas celebrations and summer cookouts. Missionaries always had a comfy place to stay while back in Maine, and there was always a home cooked meal complete with a homemade dessert on the table for anyone who came to "supper"! In later years she enjoyed playing a game with Ronnie every morning, shopping and staying active.

Carol is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ronald, her son Joseph LeBlanc, Jr. and wife Teresita of Margate, Fla., her daughter Vicky Kelly and partner Janice of York, grandchildren Joseph LeBlanc III and wife Kim and 1 son of N. Lauderdale, Fla., Erin Kelly and her partner Michael and their 3 daughters of Seattle, Wash., Brian Kelly of Fort Collins, Colo., Armando Izquierdo and wife Nicole and 1 daughter of Los Angeles, CA, Puritere Izquierdo and husband Chris and 2 daughters of Margate, FL, special nieces Bonnie Styles Saucier, Barbara Badger, and nephew Charles Badger, and many other much loved nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers David, Charles, Arthur, and Robert Badger, sister Ruth Morris, and grandson Jeremy Kelly.