GILFORD ---- Alice Eva Allen, 83, passed from the arms of her loving husband to the arms of her Heavenly Father in the comfort of their home, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Alice was born on December 10, 1940, in Laconia, NH to Lionel and Yvette Maheux. Her servant’s heart was displayed even at a young age as she selflessly helped care for a classmate with special needs in grade school. While her heart was tender, Alice was certainly not shy. She enjoyed climbing tall trees, competing in basketball, braving the end of the roller-skating line, and sneaking burgers to the nuns on Fridays!
Though they attended the same 2nd Grade class at Sacred Heart School, Dick and Alice’s first unofficial date was at a Valentine’s Day Dance in high school. Alice worked the ice cream counter at JJ Newberry’s in Laconia, then was later employed by Sprague Electric in Concord before marrying her high school sweetheart, Richard Allen, on October 28, 1961.
Upon the arrival of their firstborn, Alice shifted her focus to becoming a full-time homemaker. As two of their four children were born with a rare disorder, Alice tirelessly cared for her sons, Bobby and Jimmy, even better than their nurses could. Through countless trials and unimaginable loss, Alice embodied a quiet strength.
As their children grew up, Dick and Alice ran The Cozy Inn & Cottages in the Weirs for a few years. Before long, Dick’s rental business picked up and, with any need that arose, Alice was there to lend a helping hand. From teaching those suffering with addiction how to care for their hygiene to sharing the gospel message to tenants on their deathbed, Alice became like a mother to those who needed it and showed the love of Christ to anyone who would receive it.
In keeping with her endless devotion to family, Alice became her mother’s primary caregiver for five years. She had the gift of compassion and empathy that went beyond what words could encompass. She had the ability to envision herself in the place of another and when she saw a need, she provided.
Anyone could look at Alice’s life and see boundless joy, but if she were asked, she would say one of her greatest joys in life was being a "Memere". From birthdays to holidays, and every day in between, Alice played a pivotal role in the rearing of her seven grandchildren. Her unconditional love and extraordinary character fostered a legacy that will endure well past her lifetime.
Among her many hobbies, Alice enjoyed singing and playing the autoharp at church, swimming (especially jackknife diving!), making memories with family, cooking, cleaning, sewing, knitting, spoiling her grandchildren, eating out, and just “putterin’ around”.
Alice made people feel happy to be alive. She fought for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Effortlessly lighting up any room she entered, she could be the life of the party while also running the show. She had the kindest soul, and, like her mother before her, no one had an ill word to speak of her. She was always down for an adventure, always available, always dependable, always Alice.
Though Alice lived with Alzheimer’s for over 14 years, she never suffered from it. The love of Christ shone through her very being, and she was blessed with the ability to be cared for in the comfort of her own home (affectionately named “Wonderland”) throughout the entire decline. As the disease progressed, her sweet, joyful character was only magnified. She didn’t need to say any words to be able to speak to the soul. Defying all odds, Alice continued in good health until the very end – a testament to the phenomenal care she received from her loving husband and the most incredible team of caregivers. The bond between Alice and her caregivers was unlike any other, and the impact of her love is immeasurable. It was a privilege, beyond words, to love and be loved by Alice Allen.
Alice will be missed by many, especially her family – her husband, Richard Allen; her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Mark Dadian; her son and daughter-in-law, William and Denise Allen; her sister and brother-in-law, Arline and Nathan Chapman; her brother and sister-in-law, Roland and Carole Maheux; her sister-in-law, Elaine Maheux; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Maheux; her grandchildren, Michael Allen and his wife, Lauren Allen, Jeremiah Dadian and his wife, Ellen Dadian, Kimberly Breidt and her husband, Cory Breidt, Benjamin Dadian and his wife, Alexia Dadian, Rachel Dadian, Abigail Dadian, and Kelley Allen; and her great-grandchildren, Zoe Allen, Flynn Allen, and Brody Breidt.
She now joins her parents, Lionel and Yvette Maheux; her brothers, Leo Maheux and Raymond Maheux; her sons, Robert Allen and James Allen; and innumerable other family members and friends.
Calling Hours will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 2:00pm-4:00pm, at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
On Sunday, there will be an additional private small gathering for close friends and family.
A Private Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia, NH.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite non-profit or local charity.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.