ADA MARGARET ALLEN

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ADA MARGARET ALLEN It is with great sadness we announce that Miss Ada Allen, aged 102 passed away on July 1, 2016 at Riverview Health Centre. Ada was born in Portage la Prairie on April 3, 1914. She was predeceased by her mother Charlotte (nee Douglas), father Arthur Allen and her half-sister Pearl (Will Laycock). Ada is survived by many cousins, particularly Dave and Myra Bennet; sons, Cam (Tanis), Craig (Jacqueline); grandchildren, Tanner, Alexa, Leyton. She is also survived by many friends some of whom were like family, particularly Linda Takacs and Thelmarie Kirk. Ada graduated high school from Neepawa Collegiate and then completed teacher training at Winnipeg Normal School in 1933. Former students will fondly remember her from rural school teaching in the Neepawa Area, from Rapid City where she taught during World War II and from East Kildonan where she was employed until her retirement in 1972. Her Elementary grades teaching career covered 40 years, including a year of Teacher Exchange to Philadelphia, PA in 1952-53. Many of her former pupils attended her 100th birthday party in April 2014 showing the high regard they had for her. In 1967 she was nominated for and received the Canadian Centennial Medal for valuable service to Canada. She was a longtime member of John Black Memorial United Church, held offices in the Retired Women Teachers Association and in the Manitoba Exchange Teachers Club. Ada was a member of the Rebekah Order for 80 years and was honoured by the Order with the Decoration of Chivalry in 1988. In 2008 she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship of Rotary International. After retirement she was able to travel many times to far-away places, but volunteering also was important to her. She gave 24 years to both the "Meals on Wheels" program and Macdonald House (Dalnavert) Museum. As well, many trips were made to the Dugald Costume Museum and the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre. Ada kept in touch with her many friends by phone and written correspondence. Her penmanship with a peacock blue fountain pen was impeccable. A phone call, letter or a visit with Ada was always an uplifting experience. She will be missed by us all. Private burial will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens followed by a public Celebration of Life reception at John Black Memorial United, 898 Henderson Hwy, R2K 3T4 at 2:30 p.m. on August 12, 2016. Donations in her memory can be made to Rotary Foundation (Polio Plus program) on-line or c/o Rotary Club of Neepawa, Box 1515 Neepawa, R0J 1H0 or to John Black United Church Memorial Fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2016