Betty AllenWestford - Betty Lou (Wright) Allen, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 12, 2017 after a short stay at Franklin County Rehab in St. Albans, VT. She was born on October 26, 1926 at the family home in Underhill, VT, the daughter of the late Waldo and Maude (Carey) Wright. Betty grew up and attended school in Fairfax, VT where she enjoyed playing basketball. She graduated from BFA Fairfax in 1945 and went on to meet her husband of 60 years, Stearns B. Allen Sr., at a dance in Cambridge. They married June 8, 1947 and started their family. While Betty had many accomplishments during her life, what she was most proud of was her family. She cherished each one of them and the time she spent with them. Betty was a woman of great fortitude, resilience and hard work but at the same time a very kind, loyal and loving person who was in turn loved by many. Betty enjoyed being active in her community over the years and was involved with various organizations and support groups. Some of these include the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) in Shelburne, the Western Covered Bridge Stompers, Alzheimer's Support Group, Binghamville United Methodist Church as a member and Trustee, Fletcher Cemetery Association, Fletcher Historical Society. She was a 10 year member of the Shelburne PTA and a long time volunteer with her late husband at the "Sugar Shack" at the Champlain Valley Fair and the Binghamville Church Suppers. She worked for many years in the cafeteria at the Fanny Allen Hospital where she made lots of great friends. Her family has fond memories of her love for playing and usually winning at cards; spending time at camp and fishing on Metcalf Pond; visiting with friends and family around the kitchen table; as well as her talent of making yummy maple baked beans.Betty is survived by her son Stearns Allen, Jr. and wife Cyndy of Cambridge, her daughter Patricia Garcia and husband José of Westford; two sisters-in-law, Beulah Blodgett Richardson and Laura Wright; five grandchildren, Cara and husband Dan St. Cyr, Kristen and husband Jason Smith, Paloma Lescieur, Shan Garcia, José Garcia and wife Jhaneth; nine great grandchildren, Shayne, Taylor, Jacob, Mason, Carlos, Ximena, Alanna, Annabelle, and Leandro. She also leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins including a devoted niece Linda and husband Fred Bruso; her neighbor and "adopted son" Don Dingman and wife Larissa; and her beloved feline companion Merlin.Betty was predeceased by her husband, Stearns Allen, Sr. on November 1, 2007; her son, Douglas Allen; her brothers, Harold Wright, Ronald Wright and Harley Wright; sisters, Beatrice Sheltra, Olive Gates, Waldona Wright and Kathleen Wright; granddaughter, Whitney Allen; grandson-in-law, Carlos Lescieur; and great grandchild, Maria Smith.The family wishes to thank Dr. Diane Rippa for her many years of above and beyond care and the staff at Franklin County Rehab for their caring and professionalism during Betty's times at their facility.Visiting hours will be held on Saturday December 16, 2017 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel, 1176 Main Street, Fairfax, VT 05454. Funeral services will be held on Sunday December 17, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in Binghamville United Methodist Church with Reverend Ellen Ravelin officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the convenience of the family in the Binghamville Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to the Binghamville United Methodist Church, 629 Fairfax Road, Cambridge, VT 05454. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com. Published in The Burlington Free Press on Dec. 15, 2017
