Ann Elizabeth Allen

Ann was born and lived with her parents and siblings in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Denby High School and furthered her education in nursing school. Ann selflessly paused her career to help her mother and later to raise her family.

She was faithfully involved in the congregation and choir in Lutheran churches throughout her life: Our Savior in Detroit, St. James in Grosse Pointe and St. Peter’s in Rockford. Ann was blessed with an angelic voice singing in “perfect key”.

Throughout her life, Ann remained active in her career and community. She received many accolades for her leadership, writing and participation in the Junior Achievement Program. She worked in Detroit’s banking and insurance industries, in Grosse Pointe at Jacobson’s, a legal firm, and at the Neighborhood Club until her retirement in 1997.

Her compassion extended deep into the community through her involvement with Girl Scouts, her children’s schools and in the neonatal unit at St. John’s Hospital. Ann lived simply and by an unassuming philosophy of giving oneself through her sweet, honest and caring nature.

She excelled at many interests such as baking, sewing, upholstery, gardening, and ensuring every celebratory moment was unique with creative decorations. Homemade costumes, cakes, and wrapping were always artful masterpieces for her family and friends.

Ann met Tom her husband at church where both of their families belonged while Ann was in the choir, Tom was on the basketball team. They were married for 59 years. Ann and Tom lived together in Michigan all their lives, having 4 children beginning in Detroit, moving to Grosse Pointe Park, and finally once retired settling in Grand Rapids to be closer to their 4 grandchildren. Tom passed away in 2022 and Ann spent the remainder of her years living with her daughter Kim in Florida enjoying the sunshine and tropical breezes.

As a child she spent time on family Sunday drives which sparked her love for traveling. Ann found joy spending her time with her husband & children on camping trips, family get-togethers in Canada, vacations on Hilton Head Island and among the scenic Vermont countryside. Once the grandchildren came along, they cherished their trips in whatever state or city they landed in, always “on call” at a moment’s notice from coast to coast.

Ann famously had a sweet tooth, keeping a hidden stash of chocolate in her recipe box and often coaxing Tom into sharing sweet treats. They loved antiquing, going to bakeries and always searching for different cuisines and those special touches for the home. Ann was a woman of remarkable intellect. She loved novels and was an avid speed-reader always wanting to share this passion and knowledge. She also loved cats, was kind, soft spoken, and described herself as “petite” but not small. Her Mom even wrote a poem about her on day one saying “Ann was sweet, and full of mischief but wise beyond her years”.

During Ann’s later years she enjoyed art projects, coloring, painting, music, walking, exercising and “high kicks” despite her health challenges she met each day with resilience and her “Energizer Bunny” vitality.

Ann’s family ensured she was never alone, was able to remain in her home, and supported in her last years. Ann is at peace with Tom in heaven, survived by her daughters Kim, Jill, and Amy; son Scot; grandchildren Karina, Austin, Henry and Skyler, and her brother Henry. She will be remembered for her grace, kindness, creativity, and will be immensely loved for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to: 

https://www.redcross.org