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Alberta Gilman Obituary

Alberta Nelson Gilman Alberta Nelson Gilman, Millcreek, passed away in her loving husband’s arms on April 29, 2006. She was born on August 14, 1937, daughter of the late Frank and Catherine Nelson. She attended Villa Maria Academy and later graduated from Andrews High School in Willoughby, Ohio. Mrs. Gilman was an actress, performing on Broadway, the Erie Playhouse, Erie Roadhouse and also in Hollywood. She loved flowers, books, and needle working. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Herbert Gilman; her loving family, Linda Ochin, Bob Gilman and his wife, Joyce, Cathy Chester and her husband, Mike; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her uncle, George Machuga, and his wife, Jean, and many close friends. Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10th St., Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Erie Times-News from May 1 to May 2, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Alberta Gilman

Not sure what to say?





Mike Davidson

May 17, 2006

Alberta was just so warm and lovely. I had just watched the "Eat Your Heart Out" episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" before reading and being so shocked and so deeply sorrowed at the very sad news of her untimely passing. She was the epitome and the very essence of the "All-American Girl Next Door". I lost both my mother and grandmother to cancer, so my heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Alberta. May God comfort all of you in your time of great loss and need. I will never forget Alberta and will always remember her wonderful portrayal of "Flora Malherbe" on both "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Mayberry R.F.D." and her appearances in all of the "Beach Party" films. She was truly a shining star in this life and is now an angel in Heaven. The stars now shine brighter than ever. Take care.



Sincerely and with my warmest wishes and very deepest condolences,



Mike Davidson

Kathryn Darden

May 6, 2006

A girl next door

L eft her mark on Mayberry

B ussing tables at the diner,

E ven working for Wally.

R ight from the start -

T he class reunion,

A lberta Nelson shone.



N ettie Albright's sweetness

E arned a smile and a dance.

L ovely Flora Malherbe

S oon found a romance.

O ccurrences more poignant

N ow that she's gone.

Debbie Rauch

May 6, 2006

I am so saddened for your loss. Alberta will live on in our hearts and will continue to be loved and will continue to bring a smile to our face.She was a truly wonderful actress and a wonderful addition to the Andy Griffith Show.

janet kramer

May 5, 2006

Alberta--what a wonderful person! She brought such innocence to her role on the Andy Griffith Show. Her wonderful work will live on forever for everyone to be thankful for. My sincere condolences.

Gary Johnson

May 4, 2006

Alberta will be missed I had hoped to meet her at Mayberry Days.

Ed O'Dwyer

May 3, 2006

Sorry to hear of her passing. She will forever be remembered by my family everytime we watch her on The Andy Griffith Show.



Thanks to her fine acting ability, her part of Mayberry become real for us. RIP

Annie Carter

May 3, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. She brought a smile to many of our faces.

Alan and Nancy Thornton

May 3, 2006

We are truly sorry for you loss and we too fill a loss as we loved Alberta as Flora in The Andy Griffith Show. Our hearts are saddended and our prayers are with you. We will watch our rerun shows with a different light, she will be missed. Thank you, her family, for sharing her with us and for the entertainment she provided us through the years.

Your Mayberry freinds,

Tommy K

May 3, 2006

Thanks for the memories

Rhonda Parrish

May 2, 2006

Loved her on The Andy Griffith Show. I am sorry to hear of her passing. She will always live on in the hearts of fans everywhere.

Brent Missildine

May 2, 2006

I am one of many Andy Griffith Show fans who will remember her for her portrayal of Flora. She was a very good actress. God bless you in your loss.

Kathryn Darden

May 2, 2006

I was so sorry to learn of the passig of Alberta Nelson. I was a huge fan of Ms. Nelson's from her appearances on "The Andy Griffith Show." I thought she brought a sweetness to her characters that was very poignant. It was my privilege to portray one of Ms. Nelson's characters, Flora Malherbe, at Mayberry events across the country the past four years. I wish I could have met her. She will be missed. The.Gilman family is in my prayers. God bless you.

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