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Adela Allen Obituary

Adela Artola Allen August 15, 2008 "We should acknowledge our differences, we should greet our differences until difference makes no difference anymore." Adela Artola Allen, Educator. This quote speaks to the journey of a great Hispanic woman, who fell in love with the City of Tucson and dedicated more than 50 years of her life to education. Originally from Mexico City, she was the first girl from Mexico to attend Wellesley College. She completed her degree from the Universidad de las Américas, a Masters from the University of Houston and her Doctorate from the University of Arizona in Spanish and Portuguese. She pioneered many areas in bilingual education, reading and language arts, and children's literature. Her goal was for everyone to participate in the richness of their own cultural heritages. To this end, she carried a trunk show to various schools in Tucson, speaking about the Mexican and native heritages of Mexico. She wrote children's books that are still widely circulated and trained educators who to this day, use her materials. Of particular importance was her work in training librarians to better serve Hispanic children. Lágrimas Chicanas a book of Haiku's, written in conjunction with Dr. Marco Jeréz, was published by Octavio Paz in Vuelta. Dr. Allen was a pioneer in international education, having served as an original member of the Arizona Mexico Commission and headed the Educational Committee. She received the Antonio Certossimo Award from Governor Symington after 25 years of service. Her work for fostering an era of collaboration between the University of Arizona and several universities in Mexico resulted in the award of a second Doctorate in Honoris Causa by the University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico in International Education. Other prestigious awards include: Woman of the Year 1993 from the Hispanic Professional Action Committee and YWCA Women on the Move. Additional notables include the Simon Bolivar Award for outstanding work in Hispanic American Literature awarded by the Argentine Embassy and Letras de Oro Award from the Spanish International Jury of 1987. Her community involvement was extensive as she actively worked with: the Consortium of North American Higher Education Consortia, the Sahuaro Council of the Girl Scouts, Los Descendientes del Presidio de Tucson, Fundación México, Pima Arts Council, Women's Commission, Wings on Words, Sister Cities, and the Arizona Association for Chicanos in Higher Education. Dr. Allen was preceded in death by her parents, international attorneys, Adelaida Artola Allen and Perry Allen. Her brother Carlos Allen, her son Rex Allen Applegate and her former husband, John F. Molloy. She is survived by her daughter Lisha Adela García and grandchildren, Carlos Mariano García, and Daniela García and her beloved caretaker, Elvira Lugo. She leaves behind numerous family members in Mexico City as well as countless students, colleagues and friends in the United States, Canada and throughout Mexico. A memorial service will be held at San Augustine Cathedral on September 6, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. A life celebration reception will be held at her home immediately following the service. God speed for a life richly lived and shared. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 20, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
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To the family of Adela Allen,
I did not know her, nor do you know me, however one day in the late 1990's I came across a quote attributed to "Adela A. Allen" which touched me deeply. I have worked with children and adults with autism since 1984, and in the late 1990's I began writing my first book. It was published in 2000 (the first book of its kind to help children with high functioning autism or Aspergers understand what it means - a book to help self-awareness) and my opening quote was the Adela A. Allen quote, "We should acknowledge differences, we should greet differences, until difference makes no difference anymore." It has become widely recognized in the field of autism, it being another culture, thus expanding Adela A. Allen's work in diversity education. When I wrote the book, I reached her by email to get her permission/blessing to use her quote...and she did.

May her soul be at peace, in God's arms now. Thank you for her life.

Catherine Faherty

Catherine Faherty

February 8, 2009

Lisha,

I just saw your mother's obituary. I hope you and your family are finding comfort from the love you shared and the memories you made during her life. Bless you all.

Martha Dempsey

October 4, 2008

For many of us, Dr. Allen made the difference between trying and being on the way of high-level education. The academic dreams of a great number of University teachers from Sinaloa and Mexico were possible thanks to her. Our simpathy to Lisha and all people who suffer Dr. Allen's death.

Ambrocio Mojardin-Heraldez

September 4, 2008

A few words about Adela from a colleague, Dorothy Clare Massalski

My Dear Friend, Dr. Adela Allen volunteered to read parts of my dissertation, and astonished me by asking if she, although an Emeritus Scholar, could be on my doctoral committee. Although this was not necessary, her enthusiasm for my work in creativity, became the impetus for impromptu meetings at her home. I would bicycle down and she and I would spend several hours in her lovely home with her lovely garden and we would engage in lively discussions about our mutual passions: art, aesthetics, dance, culture and education. She was also very alive with the history and politics of her time and commented upon them with sagacity.. The best part, always, were her stories, her stories of her mother, her stories of her funny fiascos, and her stories of the fine arts and crafts of Mexico. She encouraged me to write my childhood stories: Dog Day Adventures, a summertime on the Nashua River in Clinton, Massachusetts.
I was greatly honored to chaperon Adela at the 2006 Congresso por Education in Guanajuarto, Mexico under the sponsorship of Dr. Todd Fletcher of the University of Arizona. Adela was gracious, generous and encouraging to all the education students, young and old. She was greatly loved and admired by all, a rainbow bridge across cultures.
Dorothy Clare Massalski, [email protected] cell: 847-858-9823

dorothy massalski

September 1, 2008

Dr. Allen will be missed. She was so full of energy and loved to help so many students at the Grad College.
You are all in our thoughts.

Georgia Ehlers

Georgia Ehlers

August 31, 2008

Dear Lisha,
Lydia gave me the news about your Mother which sadden me. As you know, I met your Mother in 1970 and we worked together for a year in an educational project in Phoenix, AZ.
Even the first time I met Adela, I knew she was such a special, elegant, glamourous and endearing Lady. She was one woman I have admired since then.
May your memories of your Mother keep you strong and loving like she was.
With sincere sympathy, Virginia Pesqueira (Lydia Aranda's Mom). Nogales, AZ; August 30, 2008

Virginia Pesqueira

August 30, 2008

Adela,
Your mother was a great woman, and I understand why you are so special. May Almighty God be with you and the rest of the family. Your mother is resting in peace, and there will be a resurrection soon. Hold on to your precious memories, and continue telling us the inspirational stories regarding your mother.

Andres Chagolla

August 27, 2008

Titi: I will forever keep you in my heart. You were a bright light in my world. I appreciate the laughs, our "all night girl talks" and everything wonderful about you. Que voy hacer sin Ud.?
Luv luv from Daughter #2

Rozanna M. Mendoza

August 26, 2008

John and I are sorry to learn of
Adela's death. Our sympathies
are with you all.

Helen Schaefer

August 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends who have lost Adela. Lisha, my special prayers and thoughts for you in this time of great grief. Your stories of mom and her great achievements in life were an inspiration to me.

Ilene Ringler

August 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I personally never met Ms. Adela, but from the stories that I was told by Rozanna it was like if I did know her. When Rozanna would speak to me about her aunt, I would see the love, admiration, respect, and pride she had towards her aunt. I also got to admire Ms Adela Artola Allen for her lifelong interest in helping others and her strong will power. I heard wonderful stories of her life and they also had an impact on mine. I know Ms. Adela Artola Allen will not only be missed by everyone that knew her, but also those that in one way or another were touched by her kindness, nobleness, and life teachings. I will remember Ms. Adela Artola Allen by her numerous achievements she had throughout her life and hope that her legacy will continue.

Eddy (Eduvijes) Rocha

August 20, 2008

Dr. Adela Allen- Professor, Friend, mentor, advocate, entertainer, administrator, role model, guide, cultural icon and so much more. Without her support and guidance I do not think that I would have finished my Ph.D. She truly inspired me and supported me through my academic journey. I remember her once presenting her one woman trunk show on rebozos! Que mujer! I know that all of us who knew her have an Adela Allen story to share!Con mucho cariño, admiracion, respeto y eternamente agradecida por todo lo que me enseño,
Irasema Coronado, Ph.D.
Associate Provost/Associate Professor of Political Science
University of Texas at El Paso

Irasema Coronado

August 20, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Allen's passing. I worked under Dr. Allen at the UofA in the Graduate College and enjoyed having her not only as my supervisor but my friend. She was always very interesting and loved to help students with their scholarships. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her.

George Vissichelli

August 20, 2008

I was fourtuate to work under Dr. Allen in 1999-2000. I remember one Christmas she made gifts for us. I still have and wear the earing she made me.

She was an inspiration to me, and I will miss her.

Maria Ines Figueroa-Rojas

August 20, 2008

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