ALLEN, MaryAnn Donna

We are so deeply saddened to announce the passing of a dear daughter, sister, mother, Nana, Auntie and loyal friend. Born in Lunenburg, she lived most of her life in the Chester area and left this world on January 1, 2024, at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, NS, after a brief illness. She was 60 years old.

She is survived by her parents, Charlotte Allen (nee Feener) and Kempton Allen (Gerri); her sister Joanne (Chris); dear sons Thomas (Lauren) and Ted (Amanda); and her precious grand-babies, Hayes and Carson, as well as nephew Jared (Shannon), niece Katy, great-nephew Jackson and her kitty, Lucky.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Allen and Marjorie (Ernst) Feener of Lunenburg and Mary (Allen) Hamilton of Montreal, formerly of Corkum's Island, NS.

Her proudest accomplishments were raising her fine sons and then becoming Nana to her sweet grandsons. She loved this new role in her life, though it was far too short. A lover of the beach, and the ocean and flowers, and cooking, she was often found reaching out with her caring way to provide support and understanding or a good laugh when someone needed it. Her witty sense of humor and intuitive-seeming knowledge was something to be admired. She loved a good adventure should one ensue.

Her gardens and flowers were always a joyful sight. When she wasn't digging in the dirt, she was likely to be having a fun time with family and friends and enjoying the beaches and bays or using her artistic abilities to create something beautiful. She was an accomplished swimmer, once swimming from Tancook to Chester to raise funds for a local resident.

Mary Ann worked much of her career as a medical or dental office administrator, and most recently as a daycare worker with The Chester and Area Family Resource Center. In her younger years she could often be found working as a swim instructor at the Chester Lido.

She will be so sadly missed by family, friends, and acquaintances alike.

In her memory, please consider helping out a community garden or green space, women’s shelter or other community or family minded organization or the local animal shelter.

A celebration of life for MaryAnn will be held at a later date.