Obituary for Joan M Allen (Valzania)
Joan M. Allen, aged 80, passed away Monday May 31st 2021 after outpacing her terminal cancer for 6 years with dignity, grace and good humor.
She was born in Dorchester, Ma on May 10, 1941 to the late Frank and Evelyn Valzania. Joan is predeceased by siblings John, Paul and Linda Valzania and survived by her brother Rick and his wife Linda of Plymouth, her sister Judy and her husband Michael of Plymouth, her devoted husband William H. Allen (Bill), son Bill and his wife Colleen of Hopkinton, daughter Debby of Needham, son Mark and his wife Amy of Franklin, 9 beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Joan and Bill met as 12-year-olds on the playgrounds of Savin Hill and shared a love of sports, record hops, the beach and gatherings with plenty of food, family and friends. The two were wed on June 8, 1963 and worked painstakingly and proudly to create the home in Millis that they shared for over half a century; raising their children, upholding old and creating new family traditions and spoiling their grandchildren.
An inspiration to us all, Joan gave 110% to every endeavor. She worked in medical research before having children and later, indicative of her ingenuity and selflessness, switched gears to Skating Program Director to support her children in their hockey and figure skating pursuits. The programs thrived, she produced elaborate skating shows, ushered in championships, attended every hockey game and even painted the team mascot on center ice. She was a talented artist, gardener, knitter, problem solver, party planner and cook but her greatest gift and proudest moments were caring for her family. She spread her time evenly over the events and milestones of each of her 9 grandchildren, befriending their friends’ families and leading the cheering section, hosted the Holidays and “Wednesday Night Dinners” often making everything from scratch. She touched the hearts of her acquaintances and shaped the lives of her family members. She will be sorely missed be never far.
Funeral mass will be held on Thursday June 10th at 10:30 am at St Theresa’s Church 35 South Main St Sherborn, MA. Joan asked that people refrain from sadness and somber clothing and in lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Lynch Syndrome Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
On line: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/joanallen
By check: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Attn: Angelle M. Kettlewell
10 Brookline Place West
Brookline, MA 02445
Memo line: Lynch Syndrome Center in memory of Joan Allen
She was born in Dorchester, Ma on May 10, 1941 to the late Frank and Evelyn Valzania. Joan is predeceased by siblings John, Paul and Linda Valzania and survived by her brother Rick and his wife Linda of Plymouth, her sister Judy and her husband Michael of Plymouth, her devoted husband William H. Allen (Bill), son Bill and his wife Colleen of Hopkinton, daughter Debby of Needham, son Mark and his wife Amy of Franklin, 9 beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Joan and Bill met as 12-year-olds on the playgrounds of Savin Hill and shared a love of sports, record hops, the beach and gatherings with plenty of food, family and friends. The two were wed on June 8, 1963 and worked painstakingly and proudly to create the home in Millis that they shared for over half a century; raising their children, upholding old and creating new family traditions and spoiling their grandchildren.
An inspiration to us all, Joan gave 110% to every endeavor. She worked in medical research before having children and later, indicative of her ingenuity and selflessness, switched gears to Skating Program Director to support her children in their hockey and figure skating pursuits. The programs thrived, she produced elaborate skating shows, ushered in championships, attended every hockey game and even painted the team mascot on center ice. She was a talented artist, gardener, knitter, problem solver, party planner and cook but her greatest gift and proudest moments were caring for her family. She spread her time evenly over the events and milestones of each of her 9 grandchildren, befriending their friends’ families and leading the cheering section, hosted the Holidays and “Wednesday Night Dinners” often making everything from scratch. She touched the hearts of her acquaintances and shaped the lives of her family members. She will be sorely missed be never far.
Funeral mass will be held on Thursday June 10th at 10:30 am at St Theresa’s Church 35 South Main St Sherborn, MA. Joan asked that people refrain from sadness and somber clothing and in lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Lynch Syndrome Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
On line: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/joanallen
By check: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Attn: Angelle M. Kettlewell
10 Brookline Place West
Brookline, MA 02445
Memo line: Lynch Syndrome Center in memory of Joan Allen