Robyn, Cindy, Justin and families,

The tribune written by Michelle speaks volumes about your mother's (grandmother's) character, the way she led her life and the kind of loving person she was.  She made this world a better place, and is now moving forward to continue her good work in Heaven.

May your memories and family love give you comfort and peace.

We have lost a good friend, but will always have fond memories of Betty.

Becky & Mike

From her grandaughter:

Elizabeth Jean Allen (nee Shand), better known as Betty, was born December 10, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to two Scottish immigrants, Harold and Elizabeth.  She grew up close with her two brothers, Ian and Neil, skating to school in the winters and summering in cottages along the aqueduct from Lake of the Woods to Winnipeg that her father designed.  Betty was a talented dancer, singer, actor, and swimmer, earning honors in all as she grew.  

After finishing nursing school in Winnipeg, Betty went to Philadelphia to continue her training at Willis Eye Hospital, and then on to the Twin Cities to head up the eye operating room at Miller Hospital.  It was in Minneapolis that Betty met the love of her life, J. Robert Allen (Bob).  They were married 6 months after meeting and had 4 children: Beth, Cindy, Justin, and Robyn.  Since Bob worked for the Buick Motors Division of GM, Betty and her family relocated frequently around the Midwest, moving from Minneapolis to Park Ridge, IL, Thiensville, WI, Bay Village, OH, and finally Racine, WI where they purchased a Buick dealership.  Betty, while ever a loving mother to her four children, was an active partner in Bob's career throughout their marriage, attending business functions and later even working at the dealership as the Vice President.  

In February of 1984, Betty and Bob sold their dealership in Racine and moved back to the Twin Cities to be near family with the birth of their first grandchild, although they did winter in West Palm Beach to avoid the worst of winter.  Bob passed on Mother's Day of 1999, the same day Betty transferred her membership to Presbyterian Church of the Way (PCOTW), as if he knew this church community would embrace and take care of her once he was gone.  And PCOTW did just that â€“ she made fast friendships as she became involved with the Kitchen Crew, Caring & Sharing, bible studies, and Wednesday night meals, and so many other activities.  

Betty, after struggling with lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, passed peacefully on Monday, December 19th, 2011, at home surrounded by the love of her three surviving children, their spouses, and five grandchildren.  We will all miss her easy way with people, her loving heart, her ready smile, her positive outlook on life, and her genuine interest in all who knew her.  She will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend.

Robyn, our prayers are with you and your family. May the Peace of the Lord be with you always.

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Elizabeth Jean Allen

10 December, 1922 – 19 December, 2011

Sunset Funeral Home & Sunset Cemetery

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