Irene Allen

Irene M. Allen

Age 93 of Joliet, passed away Sunday June 18, 2017 at Heritage Health in Dwight.

Born April 5, 1924 in Taylor Springs, Illinois, Irene was a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Trusa) Krull. She was raised and educated in Mazon; graduated from Coal City High School, and went on to attend University of Illinois, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1946. On May 4, 1947, Irene married Robert B. Allen in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Irene worked for the family business, Allen Bottling Company, and later in life enjoyed employment in retail sampling commerce. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet where she participated in the Paulites, and over the years was active in the Joliet Catholic Mothers Club, TOPS, 4-H, the Joliet Artists League, and the Artists of the Greenhouse. Irene was a talented artist, whose talents also carried over into the kitchen, where she took great pleasure in baking, and was awarded for her Banana Crème Pie. Her creativity and gifts did not end there, as she had a tremendous ability to sew, and was an accomplished seamstress. Irene was also proud to have been a finalist in the Ms. Illinois Senior Citizens Pageant.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Robert B. Allen, Sr.; six children: Robert B. (Sheila) Allen, Jr. of Mazon, Larry (Laurie) Allen and David (Jacque) Allen, both of Carbon Hill, Kathy (Sam) Cindrich of Wilmington, Charlie Allen of Braceville and Andy Allen of Atlanta, Georgia; (13) grandchildren: Bart, Ben, Luke, John, Brad, Ryan, Kate, Nate, Jill, Kevin, William, Arianna and Ava; (12) great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, as well as her dear friend and caregiver Paula Spurgeon of Coal City.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Joshua Allen, sister Mary Ann Newcomb, brother A. Robert Krull and nephew Andrew Krull.

The family will receive friends at Assumption Parish - Berst Center, 150 South Kankakee Street in Coal City, on Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen.

Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, and Irene's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Irene's memory to the Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund, 195 S. Kankakee St., Coal City, IL 60416.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Irene's memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)