Marjorie Margaret Mary (Gresko) Gidman of North Truro died on Jan. 23, 2024 at Winchester Hospital in Winchester after a brief period of declining health. She was 86.
Born on Aug. 13, 1937, in New Britain, Conn., Marjorie was the daughter of the late Mary (Gimma) Gresko, a homemaker, and Joseph Gresko Sr., a machinist for Stanley Tools and an immigrant from Czechoslovakia. She was immensely proud of her Slovak heritage and Catholic faith.
Marjorie graduated from Mary Immaculate Academy in New Britain in 1955 and went on to have a successful career that included working for the Traveler’s Insurance Company and the Society for Savings, both in Hartford, Conn. She rose from bank teller to branch manager in the latter company.
Marjorie married her best friend, Richard Bramwell Gidman, on May 16, 1964; they lived in Simsbury, Conn. and spent summer vacations in Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro. Their son, John, recalled walking around Provincetown when he was growing up, and that Marjorie’s favorite stop was the Portuguese Bakery on Commercial Street.
A 1993 fire at their Simsbury home led the family to relocate full-time to their house in North Truro. There Marjorie and Richard found joy in antiquing, with a special love for antique china. Majorie also enjoyed working part-time at several antique shops in Connecticut and on Route 6A in Brewster.
Marjorie was also a painter. She and Richard spent hours at Pamet Harbor and Cold Storage Beach, observing the changing light and taking photos to bring back home, where Marjorie would work on her seascapes, painted in acrylic on canvas.
Marjorie studied painting in classes at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill; many of her paintings were exhibited in Castle Hill shows at the Council on Aging and at the Truro Public Library.
She was known as an exceptional cook and an avid gardener, and she inspired her children and grandchildren to pursue their artistic, culinary, and gardening passions. She loved the presence of family on holidays and birthdays and always enjoyed hosting at her Truro home.
Her grandchildren have fond memories of being taken out for ice cream in her convertible. She loved walking down the stairs that her son built to the beach to dig clams at low tide.
Her smile, sense of humor, and ability to see good in all people and all situations are missed.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, Richard Gidman of North Truro; her children, Elizabeth Mary Gidman Bucken and husband Kevin of St. Mary’s, Ga.; Laura Ann Gidman-Powers and husband David of Andover, N.H.; and John Bramwell Gidman and wife Cheryl of Simsbury, Conn.; her grandchildren, Carter and Jarrett Bucken, Madison, Bailey, and Myles Powers, and Summer and Zoë Gidman; and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Vincent Gresko II, and a daughter, Christina Gidman.
Marjorie will be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s memory can be made to the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, 10 Meetinghouse Road, Truro 02666.
