Mary Lou (Bocquin) Allen

Mary Lou was born Mary Louise Bocquin in Dallas, Texas on June 30, 1937 to Louise Hughes and Bleecker Constance Bocquin. As an only child growing up in a multi-generational home on old Oak Lawn Avenue, she played among doting aunts, uncles and her grandfather. She spent time horseback riding outside of town and traveling to Colorado for summer adventures in Green Mountain Falls. Mary Lou was the great-granddaughter of Dallas pioneer, Dr. Samuel H. Gilbert, one of the earliest physicians in Dallas County and whose 1856 Farmers Branch rock home is now an historic landmark.

Mary Lou graduated from North Dallas High School at 16 years old, and then earned a Business Education degree at North Texas State University. She also received a Masters of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University.

While at college, Mary Lou met Walter Ray Allen, Jr. (W.R.). They married July 14, 1961 and honeymooned at Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs. There was never a more perfect pair, and they were happily married for nearly 60 years until his passing. Mary Lou is survived by her son Dr. Russell Hughes Allen and his wife, Deana, and her daughter Jennifer Rhea George and her husband, Jeff. “Nini,” as she was known by her five cherished grandchildren, is also survived by the loves of her life, Alana Cole & Aubrey Belle George, and Olivia Louise, Laurel Elizabeth & Samuel Ray Allen.

Mary Lou and W.R. lived and raised their family in Garland, Texas, where he had a private law practice. During these years, Mary Lou was involved in many community activities serving on the Garland Library Board, Women’s Building Board, Performing Arts Center Board, the Garland Cultural Arts Commission, American Association of University Women and the Garland Law Wives as well as being involved in her children’s activities as Girl Scout Leader, PTA officer and cheerleader sponsor.

In 2005, Mary Lou and W.R. moved from Texas to Colorado full-time to be with their kids and grandkids. Nini loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching them at their various activities, and she was their biggest fan no matter what they were doing. With her boundless energy, she always said yes to their requests. Their favorite: sleepovers at Nini’s, which included M&M waffles, honey buns, homemade ice cream and nonstop games. Together with W.R., Mary Lou plotted an annual dude ranch tradition with the grandkids at Loveland’s Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, instilling in them a cowboy heritage.

Mary Lou loved the beauty of Colorado and being outdoors hiking and snowshoeing. She also was an avid reader and enjoyed bridge throughout her entire life, playing with numerous groups and wonderful friends in both Texas and Colorado. Wherever she lived, Mary Lou turned a house into a home and was always the consummate hostess, opening wide the door to dozens for every holiday, birthday and any special event she could plan and create.

The family will have a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to First Christian Church - Garland, 115 South Glenbrook Drive, Garland, Texas 75040.