Norma Jean Allan
Norma Jean Allan (nee Abodeely), a resident of La Grange Park for 42 years, quietly passed away on Monday, January 23. She was 81 years of age. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Henry C. Allan Jr., loving mother of Rebecca, Deborah, the late John (Jan), Christopher, Gregory (Maggie), Jeffrey (Lee Ann), William (Katie); loving grandmother of 11; great grandmother of 9; sister of the late Arthur, Ernest, Joseph, and Georgina. Beloved aunt and godmother to many. Visitation on Thursday January 26 from 3 to 9pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525. Funeral services on Friday January 27, final visitation at 9:30 am until time of full mass at 10:30 am, at St. George Antiochian Church 1220 S. 60th Court, Cicero, IL 60804. Born July 16, 1935, Norma was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After marrying Henry C. Allan Jr., the couple moved to Chicago to start a life of their own. Norma was a dedicated mother who prioritized family and friends above all. She and Hank were among the founders of St. George Antiochian Church, and many years later St. Luke’s in Palos Hills. She was an active volunteer in District 102 and District 204, and a founder or leader in multiple after-school enrichment programs and activities. Most notably, she started an after-school art program for students at Ogden Avenue Elementary School and a post-Prom cruise for Lyons Township High School students that was paid for entirely through fundraising efforts, sponsors, and donations. In addition to her own family, Norma was always willing to take in kids from the neighborhood or her children’s friends. Numerous kids stayed with the Allans over the years, and Norma was always like a surrogate mom to them, to the extent that their home earned the nickname the “Allan Hotel.” Norma loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved family, friends, food, and good times. She was a season ticket holder at Drury Lane Theatre for many years, and she was an avid traveler. While her husband Hank was still alive and able to travel, they vacationed all over the world, exploring countries in Europe, Asia, North Africa, as well as several cruises. Norma always stayed active, up to the very end, working numerous jobs in her younger years as well as volunteering in her later years. While caring for her husband Hank, Norma felt there was a need for a support group for caregivers. She started organizing meetings and eventually brought in expert speakers in a variety of interesting subjects related to senior citizens. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Norma may be given to St. George Antiochian Church, 1220 S. 60th Court, Cicero, IL 60804. Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
Norma was such a special person, never ever to be forgotten. My entire family extend their sympathies to her family on the great loss in their lives. I have so many memories of Norma and Hank as we spent so much time together and never loss touch no matter how many years have passed, but we never loss
touch over the years. Their faith in the future made them leaders in the
establishment of St. George Church. From the seedling has grown one of the
largest Churches in the USA. Her home was always open as her heart. I posted
on the Face Book some comments not to repeat here, May her Memory be ever Eternal, may our Lord grant you consolation in your grief. Norma is with Hank
being reunited in the Kingdom of God, where joy is endless!
I called Norma a COMMANDER, she manned her directory/address book and house phone like a GENERAL! She was some kind of wonderful and an amazing woman! All I can say is that she has been greeted by generations of loved ones including our dear Dad, Robert Ellis, her first cousin. I bet God, himself, escorted her as she crossed over. Not to many like her have walked on the earth. May all of you cherish your memories and honor her memory of a life well lived.
To all of Norma’s family I extend my sincere and deep sympathy. I was very sorry to read the news just a few minutes ago over the internet. She was a wonderful person, the best of the best and I was so blessed to have met her. She was so kind and generous and hospitable and had the biggest heart. May God bless you all and comfort you in your great loss. May she rest in peace. Love and prayers always from Kathryn Ellis Smith xxx your cousin in England
Norma it is no surprise that Jennifer and I are together working at Kohler when we got this news. Things we’re always “right” when YOU got involved and taught us what really matters. I will hold onto the many important things you taught me and pray that I too can make a difference in lives. I love you and will miss you! Give Hank a big hug from all of us and I can hear him singing our favorite “TAKE ME TO THE MOON for you! God Bless You, Suzanne and Jennifer
Oh Norma! You were the best ! We will cherish the great memories of your laugh and love for kids and all the rest of us Give our best to Hank.
Great women are hard to find. You will be missed!
Love. Carol
She was a very special person. known her many years thru St George Orthodox church.
Rest in peace. I love you.