ORONO – Gloria Allen passed away peacefully June 18, 2009, a day after her 57th wedding anniversary. Gloria was born May 9, 1930, in Racine, Wis., daughter of the late Louis and Helen (Morrison) Schoenherr. Gloria attended public schools in Racine, Wis., and graduated in 1948 from Park High School. She graduated in 1952 from Wheaton College in Illinois, with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Gloria taught in elementary schools in Orono, Amelia Court, Va., Houston and Los Angeles. Never daunted by any challenge, her work with our nation’s children took her from the Watts District of Los Angeles to the woods of rural Maine, finishing her teaching career at Helen Dunn School, Greenbush. Gloria loved children of all ages and was truly gifted in working with them. In addition to her teaching career, Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, aunt and grandmother whose wisdom and actions reflected her strong Christian faith. The center of her life was her family and her church. Her gardens also brought her great pleasure, and the family thanks Alan Wickett for his care of the Allen property throughout the last few years. Gloria is survived by her beloved husband and first and only sweetheart, Dr. Kenneth William Allen; her daughter, Kimberly and husband, James H. Goff, of Hancock; and her sons, Thomas and wife, Lisa, of Old Town, Peter and wife, Sarah, of Chappaqua, N.Y., and Matthew and wife, Meghan, of Boston. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Katherine and Michael Amato, and Charles, Harris and James Allen. Gloria is survived by her brother, Charles Schoenherr and his wife, Peggy; her sister-in-law, Carol Schoenherr; as well as many extended family members with roots in her cherished Midwest. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald, and looked forward to being reunited with him; her parents; and other brothers and sisters of faith. The family expresses its deep appreciation for the professional and compassionate care provided by the staff of Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Emergency Department and CancerCare of Maine, as well as the nurses and other staff of six east. The family extends special thanks to Drs. A. Merrill Garrett and Norman M. Dinerman for their support. Visiting hours will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Brookings-Smith, LaBeau Chapel, 72 Main St., Orono. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 375 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, with the Rev. Russell J. Hamilton, pastor, officiating. Friends wishing to celebrate Gloria’s life may help support the new cancer care and research center with gifts to The Gloria Allen Fund, care of Eastern Maine Medical Center Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 040402-0931 or Wheaton College where Ken and Gloria met and strengthened their Christian faith for a life together. Gifts to Wheaton College may be directed to the Advancement Office, attention: Pam Munn, 501 College Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
GLORIA HELEN (SCHOENHERR) ALLEN
