Beloved wife and mother, Joyce Arlene Allen, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2018 surrounded by her children. She was born on November 7, 1934 in Nebraska to Howard & Clara Peterson. She survived her brother Don and sister Barbara. Her youngest brother, Wayne, lives in Southern California. Joyce attended the University of Nebraska where she earned her Bachelor of Art in Education. She met her future soon-to-be husband, Ralph Allen, while both were students at Nebraska. She taught 2nd grade until she started her own family. Joyce was a devoted mother, as well as a property manager of apartments. She was very involved in the community, including the PTA, Assistance League, preserving Santiago Creek, and helping young people find their career paths. Joyce is survived by her beloved college sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Ralph Allen, her three children, Mark, Christy, and Paul, his wife, and her two treasured grandchildren. Her bright smile, gentle demeanor, kindness, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held on March 4, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Dr., Santa Ana.
