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Anita Lucille (Welch) Allen

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Surrounded by loving family at her Newcastle Place home in Mequon, Wisconsin, Lucille Allen (Cille to her friends) passed away peacefully on December 21, 2020 at the age of 99. A beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, she inspired her entire family throughout life. Her love of family, God and country provided the guiding principles that enabled her to be so loved by all. She lived a long and beautiful life.
Lucille was born in Shepardsville, Kentucky on May 12, 1921, the third child of Emerson and Ruth Welch. Her early life was not easy, as she lost her mother at age four, leaving Lucille and her brothers Marshall and J.C. to be raised by their grandmother.
After several years, Emerson married Lula Ross and two brothers, Bob and Ralph, were born into the family. As a senior in high school, Lucille was rescued from a second story window during the famous 1937 flood. She faced these challenges with a loving heart and determination, characteristics which likely made it possible to “carry on” during the current pandemic.
Lucille was predeceased by her adoring husband, Samuel R. Allen and survived by her loving son, Barry (Linda); two loving grandchildren, David Allen (Stephanie) and Stacey Isaacson (Jon); and five admiring great-grandchildren: Emma Allen, Natalie Allen, Haleigh Morton, Jessica Morton, and Liam Isaacson. Her family also includes twelve special nieces and nephews: Rock, John, Ruthie, Carol, Roy, Craig, Mark, Scott, Steve, Jerilyn, Greg and Gary.
Lucille enjoyed a wonderful career at Indiana Bell Telephone Company for forty years where she held positions in accounting, operations, and personnel. One of a small number of women working in management at that time, Lucille was an advocate for women in the workplace. She encouraged others to become leaders and take advantage of educational opportunities.
Cille was active as a volunteer and organizer for arts and cultural organizations in Indianapolis and Sun City West, Arizona, but cherished most her many years of service to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Affectionately called “The Duchess” by her husband Sam, Lucille loved fashion, decorating and antiques. She was always interested in trying new things: yoga, tap dancing, calligraphy, and even became a ‘color’ expert. Sam adored The Duchess and the two of them enjoyed being together. They both loved music and dancing and were known for their excellent jitterbug routine.
Lucille’s favorite place to be was with her four generations of family. She carefully curated family history over her lifetime, leaving us all with a rich tapestry of memories and memorabilia. Grandma was always interested in each family member, taking time to find out about what was going on in everyday life, encouraging each to find happiness, and making all feel welcomed. Her unwavering love and support of family and friends was cherished and appreciated by all who knew her. We love you “Grandma” and your spirit will live with us forever.
Lucille was a member of Ozaukee Congregational church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
A family memorial service in her remembrance will be held in the spring when we are hopeful that the world will be safely on the other side of this pandemic.