Sherman Thurlow Gifford, 87, formerly of Nobleboro, passed away on the morning of June 16, 2024 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta. Born in Bristol on March 20, 1937, he was the son of the late Thurlow Gifford and Gladys (Poland) Gifford.
Sherman grew up on Louds Island and attended the one-room schoolhouse up until eighth grade. While living on the island, Sherman met the love of his life, Hillen Sheffield, and the two were married in 1957.
They moved to Massachusetts for a while, but came back to Maine in the mid-1970s. Sherman held various jobs throughout his life, the last before retiring was working for the town of Nobleboro as an attendant at the Nobleboro-Jefferson Transfer Station for 25 years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, was a lobster boat enthusiast, loved going to the lobster boat races with his brother Larre, and returning to Louds Island in the summers for cookouts with the family on his boat, the “ShaunToo,” named for his first grandchild.
All who knew Sherman knew he was kind, gentle, and a man of few words. Having lived at Cove’s Edge most recently, he made many new friends with residents and staff alike, having a “bestie” named Steven Grund. Together, they played cards, bingo, watched lobster boat races, and listened to country music. They were inseparable, and were known as “Double Trouble” to the staff.
In addition to his parents, Sherman was predeceased by his wife, Helen; his stepdaughter, Cheryl Gifford; and daughter, Sherri Gifford Hopkins.
Sherman is survived by his brother, Larre Gifford and his wife, Carol, of Bath; daughter, Sandra Tougas and her husband, Mike, of Rockland; daughter, Sharon Faloon and her husband, Randy “Jay,” of Warren; son, Scott Gifford, of Charleston; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Loudsville Cemetery on Louds Island at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.
