SOUTH PARIS — Elizabeth Pauline Whitman, 84, of Bryant Pond, died peacefully Jan. 9, at the Maine Veterans’ Home with family and friends at her side.

She was born Dec. 14, 1927, in South Paris, the daughter of Lora (Porter) and Red Noyes. She pursued a nursing career and graduated from Central Maine General Hospital in 1947. She worked as a private nurse for several families in Bethel and went on to work at Stephens Memorial and later at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.

She married Gilman B. Whitman in 1949, at the Bryant Pond Baptist Church and together they worked tirelessly running the Whitman’s Variety Store in Locke Mills. In 1953, she and Gil built and opened the Maine Wildlife Den on Route 26, Bryant Pond. There, her nursing skills turned to wildlife nursing skills and their kitchen always had a bear cub, skunk or other wildlife next to the stove.

Liz was a master gardener and loved tending the sculpture gardens at their Whitman Gallery in Edgecomb for 40 years. They decided to return to Bryant Pond in 1997, and Liz worked her magic in her gardens at their home in town. Liz was a member of the Eastern Star, an active member of Locke Mills Union Church and enjoyed seeing the many visitors and friends that would stop by to marvel and wander in her gardens.

Family members include her husband of 65 years, Gilman B. Whitman; her brother, Cy Noyes (deceased); sister-in-law, Tickie Noyes; nieces and nephews, Deb Hays, Sandra Whitman, Cindy Simonds, Roy Noyes, Gerald B. Macaulay and William Macaulay; and several grandnieces and nephews. She will be in our hearts forever. We love you.

Online condolences may be shared with the family online at www.chandlerfunerals.com.