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Barbara Allen Obituary
Beecher
Age 78, formerly of Wall Street in Elmira, died Sunday, April 8, 2007 at Bethany Manor in Horseheads. Barbara was born January 11, 1929, a daughter of the late James R. and Miriam Hays Beecher. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Charles J. Allen, and brother, John H. Beecher. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Sondra Kim Orlousky, with her husband, Paul of Avon Lake, OH, and son, Matthew (Sarah) Orlousky; Valerie Allen Lee, with her husband, Byrum of Denver, CO, and son Cooper; Karen Allen Steinegger, with her husband Frank of Darien, CT, and children, Peter and Heidi; and Barbara Lynn Allen of Chicago, IL; brothers and sister-in-law, James R. Beecher, Jr., of Horseheads, and Harry H. and Peggy Beecher of Stamford, CT; sister, Judy Beecher Allen of Charlotte, NC; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald F. and Beverly Allen of Pine City, and Joanne Beecher of Elmira; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara earned her Masters Degree in Childhood Development from Pennsylvania State University at State College and was a lifetime advocate of children, first as a teacher in both Frederick, MD and Watertown, NY, and later as a caseworker with Chemung County Child Protective Services. Barbara raised four children in Elmira and later worked for the Linn S. Chapel Co., until she retired in 2000. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Park Church, Elmira. Donations in Barbara's memory may be directed to either Arctic League, P.O. Box 113, Elmira NY 14902 or The Community Foundation, 307 E. Water Street, Elmira NY 14902.
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Allen
JoAnn Lewis Decker
April 18, 2007
My brother Duane (Red ) and I knew Barbara and John from the West Elmira days. They were both lovely persons and the world has lost another fine Beecher family member. My sincere condolences.
RAY AND BEA WOOD
April 12, 2007
BARBARA WAS A SWEET PERSON AND KIND ALLWAY WOULD TALK TOO YOU SHE WILL BE MISS BY ALL I KNEW HER 31 YEARS WHEN I WORKED AT CHAPELS
Diana Donner Rackley
April 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Your parents were good neighbors to my mother on Haskell Street. It has been years since I lost my mother, but I have not forgotten how difficult it was to lose her.
Mary Ellen Houck
April 11, 2007
I met Barbie when my family moved in next door to the Beecher family. It was 1941 and I was five. She was the traditional exemplary 'big sister' of that era. We thought she was beautiful and we admired her. We listened to what she said. And I've always remembered Barbie that way, even as all grew older and were in touch only rarely. My thoughts and sympathy to her family today. Barbie was wise and kind and you must miss her greatly.
Mary Ellen Houck
Chapel Hill, NC
Kevin Wood
April 11, 2007
I met Barbara while working at Chapel Lumber in 1984. She was an absolute joy to visit with, each time returning back home my trip was not complete without talking to her about my travels and adventures (Active duty Air Force 22 years now, 18 years overseas.) I reflect on what a wonderful sincere lady she was and it was honor to have known her.
Our condolences,
The Wood Family
Harlan Press
April 10, 2007
I met this wonderful lady at Chapel Lumber. We shared many a laugh together and good casual conversations. She was a born greeter who would put a smile on your face when you did not think there was one there. I will treasure the memory of Barbara and her caring humorous ways. Bless you all and may wonderful memories of her help to ease the loss you are feeling. I have to share one laugh we had together. When I taught school I used to stuff paper in my secretaries shoes she wore to recess. One day I went to Chapels and while talking to Barbara noticed a large pair of shoes on the floor near her desk. I told her what I had done to my secretary and asked whose shoes they were. She said they belonged to her brother, John. So, while she smiled I stuffed the shoes with paper she gladly provided. I left. The next time I was in I asked her If he found the paper. She laughed and said No, he simply put them on and walked away. We both enjoyed the humor of the moment. I am so glad our paths crossed in life. Very Sincerely, Harlan Press
Kira schiefen
April 10, 2007
i am very sorry for your loss. she was an honest and compassionate person. She had a great sense of humor and always looked for the positive in every situation. Again sorry for your loss.
cindy rumsey
April 10, 2007
my time caring for your mother
was as rewarding for me as it was
for her.i will always cherish our
talks and laughter. she became my
soul mate in both good and bad
times. she loved you all!!!
Karen Wenzel
April 10, 2007
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Barb at Social Services as her clerk for a while and enjoyed working with her...sorry again.
Skip Reed
April 10, 2007
The gift of Barbara in life is a treasure from beyond words: a person at once compassionate, humorous, adventurous and deeply self-giving. Barbara evoked and exchanged the truth of life: within her family, her profession, and the narrative arc of her life. A lovely, loving soul whose raspy voice will accompany us all the days of our lives.
Barbara knew a wisdom born amidst pain - among the gifts Barbara gave I especially treasured her choice of honest, positive acknowledgment of the darkness and a trusting hope in the power of love's light.
It is a solace to know she rests now in peace beyond...
Deep condolences to her family and friends for this momentary, painful loss.
Henry "Tim" Dean Jr.
April 10, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. I first met Barbara when I was about four years old and she was my baby sitter. Her brother John and I became lifelong friends at about the same time. Barbara was a wonderful person and I feel very privileged to have known her. I will remember her always.
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