Moira Elizabeth Allen's Obituary
Moira Elizabeth Allen, age 92, of Spring Lake passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2009. She was born on June 3, 1917 in Detroit to Thomas and Eileen (Shannon) Gibson. Moira graduated from Michigan State University in June 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She was initiated in the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority in November 1936. She married Dennis P. Allen on May 19, 1941 in Lansing, MI. Dennis passed away in March 2002.
Moira worked as a history teacher at Spring Lake Public Schools, retiring in 1977. While teaching she was an advisor for the National Honor Society. Moira was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake where she helped raise funds for the school library. She was also the founder and advisor for the Candy Stripers at North Ottawa Community Hospital. Moira was a member of the Spring Lake Country Club, an officer of the League of Women Voters, and a former board member of the Loutit Foundation. She enjoyed golfing and played duplicate bridge at the country club and at the Grand Haven Community Center up until her death. Moira was an avid reader and loved socializing with her friends and her birthday club.
She is survived by her sons, Dennis Allen, Jr. of Spring Lake, Thomas (Kelly) Allen of Columbia, SC, Douglas (Ferol) Allen of Benton Harbor; 10 grandchildren: Patrick, Jonathan, Sean, Maureen, Christopher, Elizabeth Gibson, Mary Kelly, Elizabeth Jane, Kathryn, Michael; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Moira was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis P. Allen, and her sister, Phyllis Strong.
The Funeral Mass for Moira will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Daniel DePew as celebrant. Friends may meet the family Wednesday, August 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. at VanZantwick Bartels Kammerad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Moira may be given to Spring Lake District Library. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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