Irene Parsons Allen

Irene Parsons Allen

Irene Parsons Allen, 100, a teacher and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, where she was a resident for 10 years. Her husband, Charles Sparks Allen, died in 2000. Before his death, the Allens celebrated over 65 years of marriage.

After living and raising their children in the Fayetteville-Manlius, New York, area during their first 35 years of marriage, they were retired for 30 years, living in the Adirondacks, Georgia, and North Carolina. They had a very active, happy life, full of friends, family, travels and community involvement. They both were active in the Presbyterian Church. In Charlottesville, Mrs. Allen was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Allen was an avid gardener and enjoyed painting china, sharing time with her many special friends, and being with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

She was born on May 9, 1910, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from Syracuse University's Teacher College in 1931, and taught at elementary schools in the Syracuse area.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Virginia and Edward McFadden of Charlottesville, Mary and Bob Koehl of Chevy Chase, and Charles and Mary Lynn Allen of Brookfield, Connecticut; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including in Charlottesville, her granddaughter, Deborah M. Elder M.D.; Deborah's husband, Gene Elder; and Mrs. Allen's great-granddaughters, Elizabeth, Julia, and Lily Elder.

Irene touched the lives of many people throughout her years of aging.

She will be remembered for her determination, love of life, generosity and happy smile. Her steadfast optimism continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her. Known as Granny Irene by her great- grandchildren, she will be remembered with love.

The family wishes to thank the staff in Catered Living at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge for their unending support and affectionate care. It was a very special place for her and she so appreciated it.

A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.