Michelle Dawn Allan

Michelle Dawn (Malmquist) Allan, aged 53, passed away with her mother and husband at her side on Sunday, December 1, 2013 after her five year battle with cancer. Shelly grew up in the Hudsonville and Grandville area and graduated from Grandville High School in 1978. Soon after high school, she joined the Army National Guard where she met her true love, Larry. Together they continued to serve in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves and she was probably the only Sergeant to have her boots shined by a Captain. That Captain would win her heart and the two married on June 8, 1979. Surviving are her husband of 34 years, Larry T. Allan and their children; Sean (Angie) Allan, Derek (Julie) Allan, her precious grandchildren; Zoe, Zander, Gavin and Liam, her mother Sharon Malmquist, sister Luanne “Sunny” (Bob) Ferguson, special nephews; Ricky, Sammy, Joey, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kim (Elaine) Allan, and many friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her infant brother Michael, her father Allen Carl Malmquist, father-in-law Thomas Henry Allan, and mother-in-law Dolores Allan. Shelly will always be remembered for her love of children. She worked for The Grand Rapids Public Schools for over 20 years at both the Nutrition Center, and North Park Elementary School where she will always be remembered as the "Lunch Lady". Children always brought a smile to her face, and she was overjoyed to be “Ninny” and “Granny” to her four beautiful grandchildren. Please join her family for visitation on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 3-8 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 9, 2013 with Rev. Charles J. Schwartz officiating at the funeral home. One hour of additional visitation from 10-11 am prior to the service. Interment in Plainfield Township Cemetery. Our family would like to extend a personal thank you to neighbors Karla Devereaux and Kathy Odiorne, as words can't describe our appreciation for everything you have done. Our thanks to the staff of North Park School, her friends and co-workers at the Nutrition Center, the Staff at Lack's Cancer Center, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Faith Hospice, and all hospice doctors, nurses, support staff and volunteers. Please continue her dedication to education and the care of children by considering a memorial contribution in her memory to The North Park Elementary School PTA (3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525) with envelopes available at the funeral home.