Elizabeth Hummer Allen

Elizabeth Hummer Allen, 99, widow of the Rev. James K. Allen of Peterborough, NH, died August 4, 2009. She was the mother of seven children and was a past Massachusetts Mother of the Year. She was a volunteer music teacher at the Mather School, Dorchester, MA, and inspired her children’s interest in music as well as countless members of the community where she lived. For her 41 years of dedicated service to her community, she was named Dorchester Citizen of the Year in 1995. She retired at age 90 as organist and music director of the First Parish Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Music remained her joy until the very end of her life. She is survived by her daughters Ilo Allen Schmid (New Plymouth, ID), Marie Allen Heft (Kent, WA), and sons Frank H. Allen, M.D. (Seattle, WA), John R. Allen (Naugatuck, CT), Herbert B. Allen, MD (Cherry Hill, NJ), and Jefferson K. Allen, JD (Peterborough, NH). She was survived by 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. James K. Allen of Dorchester, Massachusetts and her son Robert L. Allen, MD, of Sayre, PA. A celebration of her life was held on August 22, 2009 at the Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, NH.