Obituary of Emilie Andersen Allan

Emilie Andersen Allan, 87, of State College peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Centre Care Nursing Home.

The daughter of the late Allen and Agnete Andersen, she was born April 17, 1933 in Richmond Borough, New York. She married Majid Al-Khazraji Allan on September 3, 1960 and was widowed when her one and only love passed on December 29, 2016.

Emilie is survived by her daughter Mai Allan and husband Douglas Blonsky; Nada Balbachan and husband, Permanand; Majid "Skip" Allan and wife, Camille Bernier; brother Allen Andersen and wife Barbara; four grandchildren, Rashad and Anthony Balbachan, and Louis and Wyatt Allan; and her precious cat, Puss in Boots.

Emilie was a pioneer. A boss a** b***h who challenged the gender norms of her time. The depression-era daughter of a mathematics professor and a one room schoolhouse teacher whose Danish immigrant grandparents helped found Dana College in Blair, NE, she was imbued with a curiosity and inquisitiveness befitting such distinguished educational roots. She was valedictorian of her high school in 1954, graduated magna cum laude from U-Mass in history in 1958, then earned a master's degree from University of Wisconsin where she met the love of her life. She led an accomplished academic career while raising her family of 3 children, conducting research, publishing papers, and teaching at Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, St. Francis University, and Penn State, where she earned her PhD in Criminology in the early 90s. Emilie was part of the leading edge of a revolution in higher education, helping blaze a trail that would lead women to overtake men in the percentage of degrees attained.

In her retirement Emilie particularly loved singing and devouring books. She was a member of the State College Choral Society and Unitarian Universalist Church Choir for decades, committed to her craft and working on her skills until her very last days with her beloved voice coach and friend, Amanda Silliker.

Her love of singing was surpassed only by her love for her 4 grandchildren. Emilie never lost touch with her inner child, hosting "Camp Grandma" at her house, complete with unrivaled pillow forts, bedtime stories and snuggles, trips to the Dollar Store, Park Forest pool, nature hikes, and camping trips at Black Moshannon State Park. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her children and grandchildren.

Emilie was beloved by her network of friends in the State College area. Always quick to lend a hand or enjoy an adventure, the sight of her signature hair bun and warm smile will be dearly missed by all.

Her family would like to thank all of her friends and acquaintances in Central PA for enriching her life beyond measure. A special note of gratitude to Jill and Todd Hockenberry, Scotti Mullen, Amanda Silliker, Beth and Mary Eagleton, Syd, Dawn, Carrie, Andrea, Michelle, Dillon, and Nicole from Centre Care, Kathy and Darian Pletcher, Ann Stine, and the entire Bernier family for all the kindness, love, and support you've provided.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to offer their condolences or attend the future memorial service are asked to please sign the guest book and provide contact information at www.Kochfuneralhome.com or on their Facebook page, or contact Skip directly. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Emilie's memory is encouraged to donate to Centre County PAWS animal shelter.