Obituary of Beatrice Gilman

Beatrice Gilman, 99, of the Covered Bridge section of Manalapan, passed away on September 11, 2014, at home. Born in Brooklyn, she has resided in Manalapan for the past 37 years. A graduate of Julliard School of Music and Teachers College of Columbia University, she was a gifted pianist whose beautiful playing brought joy and pleasure to many people. She was both a music and kindergarten teacher in the New York City schools for many years before retiring. Beatrice was the inspiration and leader of the Women's Jewish Chorus at Covered Bridge. She was also a lifelong supporter and defender of human rights and social justice. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold in 2011 and her first husband Eli Siegel in 1965. She is survived by her children, Paul Siegel and MaryAnn Majer of Chicago, IL and Ruth and Michael Botchan of Berkeley, CA; three grandchildren, Rachel, Eli and Amanda; and great grandson, Benjamin. To her children, grandchildren and great grandchild she gave the gift of a passionate love for creativity and for life. Interment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Funeral Home, Manalapan, NJ. Donations in her honor may be made to the ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, NY, NY 10004 or Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.