Glassman, Maxine D (Gilman)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maxine (Gilman) Glassman, 81, at her home in Lantana, FL on March 17, 2024, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Maxine was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt, friend and colleague to all who knew her. She was an eccentric, creative, and unique person who delighted in classical music, playing piano, painting, creating beaded jewelry, and having a lively conversation about history, politics, and world literature. She had a lifelong love for learning and education that, as a high school teacher, she shared with generations of students. Maxine was born in Hartford, CT on November 24, 1942 to Milton and Florence Gilman. She grew up in Hartford on Manchester Street with her mother, father, younger brother, Robert, and maternal grandmother, Freda. The family eventually moved to West Hartford on Orchard Road. Maxine graduated from Weaver High School, and then went on to Simmons College in Boston. Through a mutual friend, she met her husband Jerry during college, and they became engaged after they graduated. They were married on April 12, 1965, and would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary next month.. While Jerry went to work for Ames Dept Stores, the company that Maxine’s father started with his two brothers, Maxine began her teaching career as a student teacher at Weaver High School, and eventually moved to full-time teaching after receiving her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Hartford. She gave birth to their son, David, in 1967, and their daughter, Erin in 1970. Maxine had a 35-year career teaching High School English at Conard High School in West Hartford, and later taught English and American Studies at Hall High School in West Hartford. She cared deeply about her students, often keeping in touch with them long after graduation and well into their adult lives, and many of her teacher colleagues became lifelong friends. Maxine and Jerry raised their children on Warbler Circle in Bloomfield, CT, where everyone on the street looked after each other’s children, and Maxine made lasting friendships with her neighbors that spanned her lifetime. Maxine also loved her summers at Beach Park in Clinton, CT on the CT shoreline, where she and Jerry owned a summer home. There are so many memories and good friends that were made during those long and beautiful summers, where Maxine’s parents, Milton and Florence Gilman, also had a summer home. A gifted cook and baker, Maxine’s mandel bread, apple pie, and chocolate chip cake were devoured with gusto by many friends and family.. A clotheshorse, Maxine dressed with great care and in bright colors, matching her outfits with dazzling jewelry, some of which she made herself after she took up a hobby of beading in her later years. She loved to sew, and could often be found in her sewing room for hours working on a new pattern. Additionally, she was an accomplished painter, as well as a classically trained pianist. She delighted in learning new things, reading new books, and strived to always expand her intellect in many ways.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Jerry, her son, David, her daughter, Erin, and her grandchildren, Eva, Ian, Bodhi, and Fred. She is also survived by her brother, Robert, and his wife Chris, as well as their children Alex and Nick. A Service will be held at the Weinstein Mortuary in Hartford on Thursday March 21st at 1:30pm, followed by a reception at the Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford. Donations in Maxine’s memory can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/ memorial-giving/