Obituary of Lois Isabella Allen

Much beloved Lois Isabella Allen (nee Johnston) passed away on Sunday, September 19^th, 2021.

Lois was born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan on March 10, 1926. She attended school at Wilcox, then entered the teaching profession and taught at various points in the province. Her first teaching experience was in a one-room schoolhouse, and she went on to teach for over 35 years. Lois especially loved her time spent in kindergarten classes and never ceased to be amazed by young children’s creativity, spontaneity, and serendipitous discovery of knowledge. If you had Mrs. Allen as a kindergarten teacher, it’s quite likely she had a short story or memory about you as she treasured each of her students. She retired in 1985 but never stopped teaching – or learning.

Lois thoroughly enjoyed university classes into her 80’s. Middle eastern politics was one of her favourite topics and she took the course more than once as she found the professor especially interesting and the ever-changing current events fascinating. When she could no longer attend campus easily, she ordered lectures on DVDs and continued to have several books on the go at the same time.

Travel was another way in which Lois broadened her mind and experiences. She visited USSR and China in the 1970’s. She also enjoyed trips to Europe and excursions with her dear friends. She seized every opportunity to visit art galleries, both local and abroad, and appreciated modern art as well as the works of the Masters. Her love of the arts also extended to an appreciation of music and theatre. She and her friends were grand supporters of the Regina Symphony and Globe Theatre.

Lois married Garry Allen in 1954 and they settled in Wilcox, where they had gone to school together. In 1969 they moved to the 41 block of McTavish Street with their two young sons, Jim and Tom. There they were blessed to make lifetime friends and raise their boys with kids the same age who became dear friends as well. Not much went on in the neighbourhood without it being discussed over bridge or coffee.

Lois was involved in the family farm and an avid gardener who began combing seed catalogues when they arrived each February. She and her neighbours, the Barrons, tended a garden that could almost be considered a farm and orchard and grandchildren loved spending time with her digging in the dirt and picking raspberries.

As a grandmother, Lois made every effort to nurture curiosity and joie de vivre. She employed felt storyboards to entertain her grandchildren as they sat at her knees and maintained a legendary array of craft supplies.

Lois had a close relationship with her parents and siblings. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Bertha Johnston, her husband, Gerald Allen, sisters Marcella (Peter) Pavely and Ruth (Jack) Andrews, brothers Art (Hazel) and Howard (Neoma) Johnston, brothers-in-law, Thomas (Elizabeth) and Grant (Marj) Allen, and sister-in-law Grace (Richard) Newell.

She is survived by her two sons, James (Dianne) and their children, Abby and Dylan, and Thomas (Liz) and their children, Townes and Sophie. Her two special granddaughters, Sara (Ryan) and Chelsey (Shane) blessed her with great grandchildren, Hadley, Harper, Eleni and Sloane. She enjoyed the role of honorary grandmother to Emma and Tess Diamantakos as well. She is also survived by her younger brother Dale (Joan) Johnston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois’ family extends heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care from the College Park staff who became her extended family and treated her accordingly. Their kindness, compassion, and good humour mean the world to us as we loved her with all our hearts.

A private celebration of Lois’ life will take place in early October. Flowers and donations gratefully declined.