Obituary of Mildred Carroll Allen

We say goodbye to our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Mildred Allen. Mildred Allie was born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, and was an outstanding student and avid swimmer, frequently seen by dumbfounded lifeguards swimming with her friends around Navy Pier. She attended Northwestern University and was one of only two women in her graduating class with a degree in Chemistry.

While at Northwestern, she met and married her husband, Robert Allen. Instead of embarking on a promising career in science, Mildred devoted most of her adult life to raising seven children. Her legacy of love and dedication to her children lives on in the spirit of family and togetherness that exists between the seven kids, eighteen grandkids, and four great grandkids. When she wasn't chasing kids, Mildred excelled in cooking (specializing in large family meals), playing bridge (everyone's favorite partner) and most especially trivia (creatively making up answers if she was confident she could get away with it). Her true love was gardening and she always appreciated the brightness and color that flowers brought into people's lives.

Mildred spent her twilight years living at the Village at Penn State, where she made wonderful friends, played cards and was well cared for. While at the Village, the kids took over the gardening duties, planting a garden every spring she was there. The annual "planting" was truly the highlight of her year and a great opportunity for the family to get together.

Mildred is survived by her children: Aileen Zaffaroni (Kevin), Diane Jordan (Dan), Sharon Harwell, Robert Allen (Gay), Patrick Allen (Karen), Peter Allen (Gloria) and CaroLyn Meriwether (Steve). She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Mike, Matt, Lauren, Tony, Sam, Jason, Stephanie, Caitie, Nick, Jackie, Austin, Madison, Luke, Paxton, Cooper, Kelsey, Natalie, Amy, Parker, Bo, James and Ellery.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family asks for potted plants to commemorate Mildred's life. The plants will be used to create a lasting memorial garden at the Village for Mildred. Alternatively, please consider making a donation to the Employees Fund at the Village at Penn State.

Visitation will be from 1 until 2 p.m., on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at the funeral home, with Deacon Dave Lapinski officiating.

Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.kochfuneralhome.com.