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Marilyn Allen Obituary

Allen, Marilyn F. age 65, January 12, 2004, beloved wife of the late Delmare J. I, loving mother of James (Cheryl), Pamela Janis, Delmare II (Laura), Robert (Esther) and David (Sheila) Allen, proud grandmother of Jennifer, Robert, Kimberly, Adam, James, Nicole and Savannah, cherished daughter of the late Francis and Mary Andrews, dear sister of Frank (Carol), Albert (Vicky), William (Marlene), Herb (Denise), Warren (Fran) Andrews, Florence (Jerry) Cote, Mary Ann (Pete) Panagopoulos, Betty Matello and the late John T. Andrews, aunt of many nieces and nephews. Interment private. Your prayers appreciated. Info: 630-832-4161 or www.steuerlefh.com

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 15, 2004.
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Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Allen

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As always you are still teaching us. As I read all of these wonderful notes it reminds me of not only how wonderful a person you were but how we sometimes take for granted the ones we love the most. It is trulely amazing how you were always there for everyone including myself. I will never forget my Wedding day. Because although we did not invite extended family You were there. I never told you how much that meant to me. Some how some way you always knew didn't you?

When I think of you, I think of words like Strength, Caring, Giving, Fun, Patience, and most of all Loving not to mention Selflessness. So while we were all selfish while you where here.

Now it is your time to be selfish. Please take care of yourself and give our love to those who left before you. Although some how in your own way I believe you out stayed Grandma to see after her and then followed to continue to care for her.

If that is't Aunt Marilyn!





And to those who called her MOM



Thank You for sharing Your treasure.

We are Greatful that Aunt Marilyn touched our lives and will always Cherish the Memories we had with her.

Like when we went to lunch and sat in the smoking section and CJ started to pretend to be smoking just like Aunt Marilyn.



We Love You Aunt Marilyn!

The Cote Family

February 2, 2004

I am only a cashier at White hen, but I always enjoyed when Marilyn and her sister would come in to get their lotto. She was so sweet and always put a smile on my face. I am very sorry to her family for their loss. I know how it feels to lose loved ones. She will be missed at White Hen.

Judy Pettikas

January 31, 2004

MOM,

WAY BACK IN 1976 I GAVE YOU JIMMY DEANS I.O.U. ALBUM FOR MOTHERS DAY. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE LISTENED TO IT COUNTLESS TIMES. AND EACH AND EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO IT I THINK OF "Y.O.U." SO IM SENDING THIS TO YOU ONCE AGAIN MOM. TAKE THIS WITH YOU AND REMEMBER TO KEEP IT TUCKED DEEP INTO YOUR HEART.



I LOVE YOU MOM



Many people look through their wallet or their pocket books and,

way down at the bottom, past the credit cards and baby pictures,

green stamps, you usually find a little 'ol piece of dog-eared poetry.

I was cleaning out my wallet the other day and I ran across a

whole bunch of I.O.U's, some of 'em thirty-five years overdue.

Funny thing is, all these I.O.U's are owed to one person

and I kinda felt like that maybe now would be a pretty

good time for an accountin'.

Mom, You listenin?



Mom, I.O.U. for so many things.....

A lot of services, like nightwatchman for instance.....

Lyin' awake nights, listenin' for coughs and cries and creakin'

floorboards.....and me comin' in too late.

you had the eye of an eagle and the roar of a lion,

But you always had a heart as big as a house.



I.O.U. for services as a short order cook, chef, baker.....

For makin' sirloin out o' hamburger an' turkey out o' tuna fish,

And 2 big ol' strappin' boys out of leftovers.



I.O.U. for cleanin' services,

The daily scrubbing of face and ears....all work done by hand.

And for the frequent dustin' of a small boy's pants

To try to make sure that you led a spotless life.

And for washin' and ironin' no laundry could ever do.

Foy dryin' the tears of childhood

And ironin' out the problems of growin' up.



I.O.U. for services as a bodyguard,

For protectin' me from the terrors of thunderstorms

and nightmares

Hah, And too many green apples.



And Lord knows, I.O.U. for medical attention,

For nursing me through measles, mumps, bruises,

Bumps, splinters and spring fever.

And let's not forget medical advice....important things like,

"Don't scratch it or it won't get well "

"If you cross your eyes, they're gonna stick like that".

And probably the most important of all,

Be sure you got on clean underwear on, Boy, in case you're

in an accident".



And I.O.U. for veterinarian services,

For feeding every lost dog that I dragged home at the end of a rope,

And for healing the pains of puppy love.



And I.O.U. for entertainment.....

Entertainment that kept the household goin' during some pretty

rough times.....

And for wonderful productions at Christmas, the Fourth of July,

Birthdays.....

And for making make-believe come true.....

on a very limited budget.



I.O.U. for construction work, for building kites, confidence,

hopes and dreams an'.....

Somehow you made them all touch the sky.....

And for cementin' a family together

So it would stand the worst kind of shocks and blows.....

And for layin' down a good strong foundation to build a life on.



I.O.U. for carryin' charges.....

For carryin' me on your books for the necessities of life

That a growin' boy just gotta have.

Things like, , a pair of high top boots,

With a little pocket on the side for a jack-knife.



And one thing, Mom, I will never never forget....

When there were only two pieces of Apple pie left, and three

hungry people.....

I noticed that you were the one who suddenly decided that you really

didn't like Apple Pie in the first place.



These are just a very few of the things for which payment is long

overdue..The person I owe 'em to worked very cheap....

She managed by simply doin' without a whole lot o' things that she

needed herself....

My I.O.U's add up to much more than I could ever hope to repay,

But you know the nicest thing about it all is that

I know, that she had marked the entire bill 'Paid In Full'

For just one kiss and four little words....

Mom, I Love You!

JUST ONE OF YOURS

January 30, 2004

Being an in-law, I've always been on the fringes of the Allen family. In the past 20 years,I've learned that Marilyn is a strong woman, with many hidden strengths. She has taken life's ups and downs in stride, not being dragged down by it all. She has been a well loved grandmother to my niece and nephew. She has been there for mys sister all these years. I've always admired her strength and convictions, but never as much as during this terrible illness. She tried so hard to bear the entire burden herself, hiding her pain and persevering in living her own life. She arranged everything so that her family wouldn't have to go through all that. My impression was always that she was that caring of others, and a straight-shooter. No messing about. Now it's up to all of you to carry her legacy forward. She will always be in your hearts. It's only the flesh that you have relinquished. The love will always be there - only a thought away.



God bless you and comfort you during these difficult times.



Maxine

Maxine Easey

January 25, 2004

I sit there thinking at times do I want to go and visit her at her house but then I remember. I just can't get the fact that she is gone.It feels so different with out you. At times I think why does god have to go and take good people from the people who love them. But then I remember that It is his choice not mine.

Nicole Allen

January 25, 2004

Well, I was seeking closure and I guess this is it. This hurts so much right now. But, one of many things that Aunt Marilyn taught me was to be strong and to be there for others. She always put others before herself, except when she wanted to smoke. But, that's who she was and if you didn't like it...Oh well. I will miss our smokes together, that's when we bonded and talked about you guys. I quit smoking about a year ago, I would still go outside with her when she wanted to smoke. I didn't want to miss anything she would say. I guess I will now.



I have so many memories of her and treasure all of them. I will share one of them with you. One day,(and there was a lot of days like this) my mother and Aunt Marilyn stopped for some lottery tickets(surprise). So...., they went in the liquor store and bought some tickets and came back to the car. And they won, so they went back into the store to get more tickets. And guess what? They won again. This went on for TWO HOURS. At the end of the two hours, they broke even. But, they had the time of their lives. Aunt Marilyn made everything fun and/or adventurous.



Aunt Marilyn, you were a great inspiration to me and you helped mold me into being a better person. And I thank you for that. I also thank you for being my mom's best friend. You meant the world to her. Thank you for being there. You can rest knowing that I will take care of her from here.

Thank you for taking care of Grandma in her time of need. Thank you for caring and molding five wonderful children. You should be proud. They are just like you.



I can't believe you are gone. I wish you could stay forever. But, I guess your job here is done. God needs your help now. I will miss you and love you always.

Good bye Auntie Mermer.

Michael Cote

January 25, 2004

Two weeks have come and gone and it seems as though it was yesterday when your time with us was ended and you began to spend eternity with God. Maybe when you told me over and over about talking to God when you were involved in the hospital after the accident and you have always said he said that "your time here is not done", I should have paid more attention. Im sorry it has taken this much time for me to realize that you knew what needed to be completed. You were to go on and have and raise a family. Sometimes good times and sometimes sad however, we needed to be taught how to laugh, cry, hurt, mend, survive, trust and love. A pretty tall order as I look back. You were persistant. You did not give up nor run away when all of lifes challenges sufaced themselves and mom, you had more than your share. With five kids who loved each other as much as we did (and still do), you were the best medeator especially when we needed to be settled down or brought under control. Maybe it was the way you said "your father is home !!" that seemed to get our attension the most. its to hard to put a finger on any one thing.

I thank God for every day we had with you but, in some ways will always feel cheated somehow that your time with us was so short. I guess I need to look beyond my feelings, my wants and, more to others. Thats what you did. Thank you for so many memories, the stories will be told over and over for many, many years.

I know that God will take care of you in heaven above and he will take care of us here too. You will forever live in his kingdom and one day we will be there too.

I'll miss you, I'll talk to you and, I'll love you forever and yes sometimes I'll cry with you....

jim

January 25, 2004

To our sister that we love so much We will miss your motherly touch Your courage,strength,wisdom too These were all a part of you Rest in peace,Dearest sis Knowng you are deeply missed Forever you are in our hearts Even though we are apart

Maryann&Pete Panagoulos 340 chippewa Lane

January 24, 2004

For are sister with all our love we want to share these photos,wich could never begin to show just how truly of a beautiful and loving person you were.You will be greatly missed but with memories like these you will never ever be forgotten.
With all our love

Florence and Jerry Cote

January 24, 2004

January 21, 2004

My sister,My teacher,My friend:You will be miss so very very much.You have taught me so much in life.You have been there for me in good times and bad.I have learned from the very best.You have been our rock for us for so many years.For your kids,for our mom and dad,for your brothers and sisters.You were always doing for everybody.You have taken time for yourself now and left us behind but I know you are watchig over each and everyone of us.I will never never forget you.I love you always. Your sister Florence

Florence qnd Jerry Cote

January 20, 2004

Wow, I've put this entry off for a while hoping maybe it would go away and grandma would come back. Then the reality check came. So here I sit writing, just like the rest of my family and friends of the family. Grandma meant a lot to everyone she came in contact with, she especially meant a lot to me. She was the one person I could go to and she'd tell me to pick my head up and move on with my life. I remember cooking with her the most, especially the night we stayed up until 4 am cooking bread and watching Giant with Elizabeth Taylor. I will always remember Friday's with grandma, great grandma, and aunt Florence. The picnic's in the backyard with Kim, Adam, and Robert. Or even weddings that I would stay home from and grandma would make sure she was home no later than 11 pm so I wouldn't be home by myself for too long (even though I was 16 or 17). Or how about the late runs?? I knew those bus routes like the back of my hand. I, as well as my family, were truly blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, caring, and nurturing person in our lives. She may be gone now, but her memories will live on in all of us. So granny, here's a toast to you (with her favorite blackberry wine), I love you and I always will, thankyou for making me who I am today.



Love Always and Forever,

Jennifer (S.P.I.T.A. <~Grandma knows what that means)

Jennifer Allen

January 19, 2004

Jim,Pam,Delmare,Robert,David:

I want everyone who reads this book to know about 5 great kids,who loved their mother so much that all 5 took care of her around the clock.

Some lifted some sat and talked some cooked and some were the comedian when needed. When a mother worries that her kids are too quiet at your age that will give an idea of the house the last week. But her wish was that the kids all stay together and they did and I have never seen anyone get better care then their mother got. I just want everyone to know what a great group of kids who love their mother as much as the Allen kids do. They showed how capable they are, and it was proven. I have been around for the arguing and the happy and the sad, and whatever they always pull together. Thank you for excepting me as one of you, I can be oppinionated as we all know, but I love you all as if you were my brothers and sister and thank you for letting me help. Love you All

Cheryl

Cheryl Allen

January 19, 2004

Grandma-
Another quick thank you for being there to share my prom with. It meant a lot for me to have you there and share a fun and important time in my life. I love you and I hope that you know you'll always be in my heart!

Kimberly Janis

January 18, 2004

I will never forget 25 plus years ago, Marilyn told me I should drive a school bus. As soon as she said "summers off" that was all I needed to hear. I started driving a school bus in 1978, and, with a few detours, am still driving today. I gave up school buses for charters, and didnt talk to Marilyn all that often, but she will always have a special place in my heart. She raised a great family, full of fun , laughter, and love. My heart goes out to the family. You lost a great mom, and I lost a great friend. -Eric-

Eric Anderson

January 18, 2004

Grandma was the one there for me when I had a bad day, to tell you that you could get by if you

tried. She was the kind of person who would help you no matter who you were.

Love your granddaughter,

Nicole

Nicole Allen

January 17, 2004

Dear Ma,

You have been a friend and second mother to me for 25 years. Countless times, I came to you for advice on marriage and kids. Many times I'd wish I had your patience and understanding. Unfornately, I never will. I can't thank you enough for all your help in raising Robert and Nicole.

You are an amazing person.

You will forever have a special place in my heart.

Love, Esther

Esther Allen

January 17, 2004

MOM

AS I SIT HERE TRYING TO THINK OF ALL THE THINGS I WANT TO SAY IT SEEMS LIKE NOTHING COMES TO MY MIND.I FEEL SO EMPTY WITHOUT YOU HERE IN MY LIFE. MY MIND IS IN THE CLOUDS AND MY HEART CONTINUES TO HURT. YOU WERE MORE THAN A MOM. YOU WERE MY BEST FRIEND. YOU HAVE BEEN THERE FOR ME THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD AND HAVE ALWAYS TAUGHT ME THAT GOD NEVER GIVES YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE. I DONT KNOW MOM ABOUT THIS TIME. HOW CAN I HANDLE NOT TALKING TO YOU EVERYDAY,OR SEEING YOU SMILE, OR HOW ABOUT YOU JUST BEING THERE? YOU HAVE BEEN SO MUCH MORE TO ME. THE DICTIONARY SAYS A MOTHER IS A PROTECTOR,A PERSON WHO GIVES BIRTH, AN AUTHORITY FIGURE. BUT IT DOESN'T SAY THAT A MOM..IS YOUR BLUE BIRD LEADER,TEACHER,BINGO MATE,COUNSELOR,YOUR STRENGTH AND MOST OF ALL YOUR FRIEND. YOU HAVE ACCEPTED ME FOR WHO I WAS THROUGH ALL MY STAGES OF LIFE. THE CUTSIE STAGE OF BEING A LITTLE GIRL TO THAT MOUTHY TEEN-AGER ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO MY ADULTHOOD. AND EVEN THEN I WAS A HANDFUL AT TIMES AND YOU CONTINUED TO LET ME BE ME. WITHOUT JUDGING ME. YOU CONTINUED TO LOVE ME NO MATTER WHAT I DID. YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME TO OPEN MY HEART TO PEOPLE EVEN IF IT MEANT HAVING YOUR HEART BROKEN. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT I WILL TURN OUT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU. A CARING,PATIENT,LOVING PERSON. A PERSON THAT TOUCHES EVERY ONES LIFE IN A LOVING AND GENEROUS WAY. THANK YOU MOM FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE WITH ME. FOR GIVING ME FOUR BROTHERS WHO WILL LOOK AFTER ME. ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW MUCH IM GOING TO NEED THEM NOW. LIKE I SAID BEFORE MOM... THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD HAPPY AND SAD YOU WERE THE BEST FRIEND THAT I EVER HAD! I LOVE YOU MOM.

ALL MY LOVE FOREVER

YOUR DAUGHTER

PAM

PAMELA JANIS

January 16, 2004

Our sympathy & condonlences are with your family during this very sad time.You will be in our thoughts & prayers.From what I've heard and read here your mom was a very wonderful caring person, she was lucky to have such a close family.Take care of yourselves and I will keep you in my prayers.

Tracy Walsh & family

Tracy Walsh

January 16, 2004

Some of my best and fondest memories of growing up include Mrs. Allen and her bigger-than-life family. She always had someone visiting, whether she liked it or not, although, you would never know if she didn't :). She did-her-own-thing way before it was popular to do so. From art (does anyone remember the eye painting at the end of their hall?), to apparel (walking down our block in a long-hair wig), to cool-school bus driver (she didn't care if driving us to McDonald's would get her into trouble). Marilyn, you inspired me more than I ever told you. Pull a lucky slot for me!

Bonnie M. Tills

January 16, 2004

"Our" (my cousins and I) Grandma was the best...you could describe it in so many ways. Grandma was there when mom and dad said no. When we were going through hard times and needed a pick up or a good laugh. Grandma was there if we were in trouble..Like the time Adam and Robert broke the new lamp with the recliner and Grandma had to super glue it back together before Grandpa got home and they were in BIG trouble. Grandma was there to listen and to let us know she cared. She was my friend, and I'm sure my cousins would agree. There were secrets we could tell her and noone would ever know, we could get advice, and just have someone to talk to. When Grandma passed away, I lost a friend. Noone to go to when mom is being mean, noone playing lotto with me and getting excited over the "7" tickets. (Her favorite ones.) No matter what, she'll always be in my heart! I love you Grandma! :`o(

Kimberly Janis

January 15, 2004

Marilyn,

You were like a second mother to Anthony, Missy and I. Always a kind word and a smile. I always remember you and my mother sitting around your kitchen table talking at night, while we played outside in the summer.You will be greatly missed.

Mark Martino

January 15, 2004

Although I wasn't very close to her, I know that she was a very caring person and will be missed greatly. Rest In Peace.

Ben Brown

January 15, 2004

Mom
Words can never say enough for how much you were loved and admired. Not only by me but all the people you came in contact with.Just in these few days have I really understood just how much youve touched peoples lives from hearing some of the different ways you have helped them in some way or another.It makes me very proud and special that I was one of those that you held so close in your heart,and on the same hand I was one of five that were privledged and honored to have you as our mom.You will be missed very much and soon all are sorrows and emptyness will be filled with fond memories and laughter of just how wonderful of a life we had with you.
with all my love
Your Son
Robert

Robert Allen

January 15, 2004

Mom you will be missed but never forgotten.

Delmare Allen

January 15, 2004

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

From the Staff of Steuerle Funeral Home, Ltd.

January 15, 2004

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