Obituary of Dorothy Bayard Parish Gilbert

Dorothy Bayard “D.B.” Parish Gilbert, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2017, on the island she loved, Islesboro, Maine. She was born in 1936, the third child of Henry Parish II and Dorothy May Kinnicutt “Sister” Parish of New York City. D.B. grew up in New York City and Far Hills, New Jersey. She attended the Chapin School and graduated from the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA in 1954. D.B. spent her summers with her extended family and friends in Dark Harbor, ME, including her brother, the late Henry “Harry” Parish III, and her sister, May Appleton “Apple” Parish Bartlett. D.B. was an avid sportswoman who excelled at horseback riding, golf, tennis, and sailing. D.B. married the late Riley Miles Gilbert, Jr. on September 5, 1960 and the couple raised their three sons in Middleburg VA, and Hot Springs, AR. D.B.’s friends and family recognized her talent as an accomplished decoupage artist, decorator, cook, and gardener. At age 63, D.B. became a year-round Islesboro resident, conquering the harsh Maine winters with the help of her many island friends. D.B. was actively involved with several Islesboro charities. She loved taking long walks with her beloved dogs, caring for her chickens, and creating unique and sometimes odd, but charming gifts aimed at enticing a smile from the recipient. She is survived by her three sons, Riley Miles Gilbert III and his family Lisa and Falyn of Shreveport, LA; Alexander Parish Gilbert with his wife, Kate Gilbert, and their children, Ellie, James, and Julia of McLean, VA; and Bayard Elliott Gilbert and his wife, Tobi Gilbert, of Islesboro, ME. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Beacon Project at P.O. Box 1135 Islesboro, ME 04848. The Beacon Project is a public charity that operates the Boardman Cottage, a residential care facility and hospice located on Islesboro that ensures island residents can age in place. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Dark Harbor, 105 Christ Church Road, Islesboro, ME 04848, at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 4, 2017.