My wife died today.
The fire in my heart was extinguished. Her body failed her but her mind never did.
Her soul will live on in the minds of anyone who ever knew her.
Naomi Ruth Allen (nee Milne) wife of Bert Powell Allen, daughter of Francis G. Milne and Dorothy Milne (nee Fitzpatrick) passed December 9, 2019. Her sister Barbara DiVirgilio and brother Francis G. Milne preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Troy Allen and his wife Ellen, of Stratham, New Hampshire. Daughter Tracey Jolicoeur and her husband Kevin of Derry and Sanibel, Florida. Son Timothy Allen and wife Vicki live in Dover, New Hampshire. She was also survived by four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and her last little dog Boston. She had a special relationship with her dear sister in law Jean Milne.
Naomi did not work outside the home. She raised her children and traveled with and supported her husband in his career. She graduated from Pinkerton Academy in 1956 and went to work at New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company in Manchester, New Hampshire. She married Powell in 1958 when he was a junior at Northeastern University. She aided Powell in his Army career, in his time with Continental Can Company in Chicago and finally back In Derry in the automobile business. She worked hard in those meager early days and was always supportive.
Naomi was a talented artist working in oils, watercolors and some sculpting. She was a voracious reader all her life. When the children were no longer living at home, she volunteered at the Alexander Eastman Hospital. Most of her time was spent supporting her husband in business and in the home. She adored little dogs, the crazier the better, and always had one sitting with her. They brought her the comfort a dog can do so well.
A special thanks to granddaughter Lyndsey McLynch for her loving presence and devotion. When Naomi’s medical condition worsened, Lyndsey’s fierce determination was on display as she advocated for the best and fastest care possible. Also, thanks to granddaughters Jessica and Stephanie Allen who were on hand to provide food, décor, distraction and comfort to their grandmother.
We also want to give our deepest thanks to Compassus Hospice and Palliative care of Bedford, New Hampshire and the nurses and aides that worked with kindness and efficiency to make her comfortable and preserve her dignity in her final days. She spent 20 days at Derry Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and was cared for by the kindest and most helpful nurses and aides who went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. They worked in sync with the Compassus nurses.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In her memory she asked that if you know someone who is ill and unable to get out, stop in and visit. If that is not possible send a paper card, letter or postcard. Something they can hold in their hand and read whenever they want. She loved “snail mail”. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is assisting the family with arrangements.