Marilyn L. Allen

Marilyn L. Allen February 4, 1943 – August 4, 2025 Saint Augustine Beach, FL resident for thirty years passed away peacefully at Bailey Community Hospice on August 4th. Born February 4, 1943 in Waterbury, CT to Leo J. Kiernan and Belinda C. (Inglis) Kiernan, and big sister Elizabeth Jane. Preceded in death by her sister Betty in 2003, husband Jim in 2004, and special friend David Lafayette in 2020. Survived by daughter Meredith (Eric) Willems, son James (Jenni) Allen, grandchildren Seth Hill, Lynn (Zach Muetzel) Willems, and Brian Willems, nieces Sharon (Ron) Jautz and Donna (Neal Owen) Lazauskas, and numerous dear friends and extended family members. A memorial celebration will be held on September 27, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm on the Odd Birds patio, 200 Anastasia Blvd, Saint Augustine. Bring your smiles and stories! Marilyn attended Catholic High for 2 years and then Wilby High School, graduating from Wilby in 1961. She married James W. Allen, Jr. October 3, 1964 and began a life of adventure. They made many trips with their 2 children to Connecticut to visit family, and every summer visited Belle and Leo on Cape Cod to see family and friends and enjoy the West Dennis Beach. Marilyn and Jim made the most out of everywhere they lived: making trips to Chicago from Detroit; visiting Disneyland and the beaches in CA; swimming at Lake Quassapaug with her sister's family in CT; feasting on tacos with friends while watching the Buffalo Bills; taking visiting family to Niagara Falls; and boating in their beloved Four Winns bowrider on Great Bay in NH. They were always surrounded by friends and family, and when they went somewhere new – anywhere! – they made new friends. After living in Wolcott, CT, Trenton, MI, Fullerton, CA, Southbury, CT, Buffalo, NY, and Portsmouth, NH, Marilyn and Jim retired to Saint Augustine Beach in 1995 and began their final adventure. They co-founded a friends' dinner group that still meets today. Marilyn adored being "Mimi" to all her grandchildren and extended family. She loved her family fiercely, willing to sacrifice for her loved ones and yet managing to do things "her way". After Jim passed in 2004 following a long illness, she met David at a grief support group and fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Hawaii and Ireland. Many will remember that Marilyn worked the front desk at the St Johns Council on Aging for several years during her "retirement". She loved meeting and helping people – and lit up every room she entered with her vivacious nature. Despite many health challenges she persevered with a smile and an optimistic outlook, dedicating herself to Jesus and speaking about what he meant to her. Marilyn / Mom / Mimi will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Marilyn would love if you supported these causes: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital – Stjude.org WallyHouse Catholic Worker House in Hawaii (named for her cousin Wally) – stelizabeth720.org/wallyhouse Betty Griffin Center in Saint Augustine – bettygriffincenter.org The Salvation Army of Florida – https://salvationarmyflorida.org/florida/ Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to her tribute page at https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/marilyn-allen-10/#!/TributeWall. St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine, FL, is assisting the family with arrangements.