BRUNSWICK – Karen Lee Gillman, age 81, of Brunswick (formerly, Winslow) passed peacefully on October, 4, 2018.  Karen was born on September 16, 1937 in Wichita, Kansas to Myra and Raymond Hein. She was predeceased by her second husband, Richard Gillman, her parents and sister, Janice Rae Hein, and cousin, JoAnne Bell. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Thomason, Debra Roelke, son-in-law Marc Roelke, grandsons, Evan, Ryan and Alec Roelke, and cousins Dana Pickett of Colorado and Lee Anne Moore of Texas.

Karen carried a strong gift of loving and caring for others which showed itself in her primary life’s work as a psychologist. She was Licensed Psychologist in New York and Maine for over 25 years.  Karen served on the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and was an active member for the Maine Jung Center in Brunswick. She was a published poet as well as a frequent speaker and presenter on a variety of topics relating to health and/or spirituality. Her sense of goodness combined with her love of beauty to produce some truly wonderful poetry. Karen was a member of the UU Churches of Waterville and Brunswick, where she sang in the choirs.  She volunteered for Hospice in Waterville; served on the Board of Directors of Veronica Sacred Arts, Inc., and developed spiritual gatherings and groups of her own. Her group The ROYLS (Rest Of Your Life Sisters) was narrowly turned down for inclusion in the Oprah Winfrey special on women’s groups. Karen found personal joy in her magnificent house plants, flower gardens, and bird feeders. She enjoyed hiking, kayaking, biking, and tennis. She was a member of Champions tennis club in Waterville, Maine, for many years and participated in the semi-pro national team. She loved international travel and visited Ireland, Russia, Poland, Switzerland, Australia, Peru, and Canada, among others.

A memorial service will be held on October 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, 1 Middle Street, Brunswick ME.

In Lieu of flowers- Donations may be sent to the Maine Jung Center in Brunswick, ME or to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Avita of Brunswick team. Karen’s love of life was inclusive and generous.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.FuneralAlternatives.net.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, Brunswick.