Dorothy A. Allen

Dorothy A. Allen, 91, of Phoenix, passed away on December 6. She was born in Bayonne, NJ on June 25, 1931, the youngest of nine children to Margaret and William Doring. Though her family struggled through the Depression and into the '40's, when her brothers went to war, she was doted on and pampered by her older siblings.

After losing her mother to cancer at the tender age of 13, she became a family caretaker of sorts, cooking and caring for her siblings, many of whom were already working. This would set the stage for a lifetime of helping and caring for others.

A graduate of Bayonne High School, she then attended Pace Secretarial School in New York City. Following graduation, she took a secretary-to-the-president position at East River Savings Bank in Manhattan's historic financial district. There, she met her future husband, William (Bill) Allen. When Dorothy's five older – and overprotective - brothers gave the "okay", she and Bill were married on October 3, 1953. When the first of their four children arrived, Dorothy remained at home until the youngest started school.

Back in the workforce, (but home in time for the kids getting out of school!), Dorothy loved her job at McGraw Hill Publishing, where she stayed for four years until Bill's job transfer moved the family to Scottsdale, AZ. While she missed the East Coast and her family, Dorothy eventually grew to love her new home (and did not miss the snow and cold!) She went to work for Scottsdale Public Library, first as a processor of new books, and eventually as tech department "troubleshooter" – the one co-workers called when there was a computer system glitch. She formed close friendships, attended gatherings, and bowled on an employee league. She was often recognized for her dedication, caring, and strong work ethic.

Upon retirement, she missed people and wanted to give back, so she volunteered, first at Scottsdale SMIL helping women through the mammogram process, and later in the gift shop of Scottsdale Osborn Hospital. Dorothy also had time to cultivate her hobbies of gardening, reading, stained glass and other crafts, and traveling. She and Bill visited many parts of the US, including an Alaskan cruise, Canada, and several trips to Europe (arranged and often accompanied by daughter, Barbara).

But for Dorothy, care for and loyalty to family was always her first priority. So when Bill was seriously injured, she devoted the next six years to being his full-time caregiver. Their loving union lasted 59 years, until Bill passed away in 2012. Only five short years later, Dorothy broke her hip and needed a higher level of care than her family could provide. She entered Assisted Living at The Stratford in Phoenix (now Avamere] and enjoyed daily activities, exercise programs, and socializing with others. Although she did survive the pandemic, she was weakened by the isolation and lack of physical movement. In 2021, another fall brought her to Memory Care for more hands-on assistance. Dorothy's always-cheery outlook and her sincere gratitude for the care she received led her to become a favorite among caregivers.

While most of her family predeceased her, including youngest daughter Susan Lenard (Craig), Dorothy is survived by daughters Karen McAlister (Charlie Pepera) and Barbara Allen, son William Allen, grandson Christopher McAlister (Raina), great-grandsons Henry and Jackson, niece Deena Zolkiwsky, as well as a host of caregivers who adopted her as their "Mamma D".

Dorothy's caring and kindness extended to "all creatures, great and small". Donations can be made in her memory to The Society of St Vincent de Paul (8620 N. 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020) or AZ Humane Society (1521 W. Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Allen family.