BENNINGTON -- Mrs. Mary Shepard Gilman, 89, widow of Paul Gilman, a former resident of Durham, N.H., and Melbourne, Fla., died Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, in Bennington, following a long illness.Born in South Royalton June 10, 1917, and she was the daughter of the late Fred J. and Alice (Preston) Shepard. She received her education in South Royalton and was a graduate of South Royalton High School. She attended the University of Vermont and later was a graduate of Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, N.H., where she received her degree in registered nursing.Mr. and Mrs. Gilman were married in South Royalton on June 26, 1939. Mr. Gilman died in 1978.In earlier years, she was employed for 30 years on the nursing staff in the infirmary at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. Mrs. Gilman was a member of the South Royalton Federated Church and a member of the South Royalton Eastern Star. Mary was a life member of the White River Grange No. 53.Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Frederick G. and Kathryn Gilman, of Bennington, and Steven and Pauline Gilman, of Barrington, N.H. She leaves five grandchildren and their spouses, Mary Wilcox, of Portland, Maine, Judith A. and Robbie Williamson, of Hannibal, Mo., Christopher and Vickie Gilman, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Donn and Shannon Gilman, of Library, Pa., and Robb and Jennifer Gilman, of Wernersville, Pa.; along with eight great-grandchildren. Graveside funeral services will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Havens Cemetery in South Royalton with the Rev. James Proctor, pastor of the South Royalton Federated Church, officiating.At Mrs. Gilman’s request, there will not be any calling hours.For those who desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation Centers Activities fund, through the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 638 Main St., Bennington, VT. 05201.