Mary Nell Allen

Mary Nell (Huckins) Allen died in the presence of her family in the early morning hours on January 7, 2024, in Lake Mary, Florida. Born January 3, 1949, in Massachusetts to Dr. Maurice Huckins, Jr. and Claudine (Etter) Huckins, Nell married Robert Lee Allen, also of Massachusetts, after graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1970. She moved with Bob around the country starting in Rochester, New York as he attended medical school; Oakland, California; Groton, Connecticut; and Athens, Pennsylvania. After Bob’s death, she relocated to her family’s long-time home in Hebron, New Hampshire and, finally, Lake Mary, Florida. Nell emerged as a fixture of the community in Athens, frequently volunteering at school and community events. She was treasurer and a trustee at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Athens and Sheshequin, where she served on nearly every committee at one time or another. She was also active with the Pennsylvania Universalist Convention and was elected its president. Nell enjoyed singing with the Pro Musica Singers for many years. She continued her volunteer work and activism in New Hampshire. After moving back to New Hampshire, Nell criss-crossed the country and world, often spending more time on the road than at home. Her adventures always included family, whether skydiving in Sweden, cruising through the Panama Canal, tasting dampfnudel in Germany, or touring India, among many other experiences. She was a frequent presence with her grandchildren as they grew. Nell navigated her cancer diagnosis quietly and with support from her family. She maintained her grace, dignity, and resolve to the end. Nell is survived by her sons and daughters-in law: William Huckins Allen and Namrita Khandelwal (San Jose, CA), James McClaran Allen and Amber Fisher Allen (Gilmanton, NH), Lee Reynolds Allen and Heather Allen (Newport, NC), and Benjamin Barton Allen and Brooke Allen (Lake Mary, FL); her grandchildren Rahi, Porter, Ainsley, Willo, Paige, and Savannah; sisters and brother-in-law Elizabeth H. and Douglas L. Robertson, Jr., Ann H. Matson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Ilo Schmid, Marie and Phil Heft; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Frank and Nola Allen, John and Catherine Allen, Herb and Laraine Allen, Jeff and Mary Jo Allen; and many nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association in Nell’s memory.

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Mary Nell Allen

January 3, 1949 - January 7, 2024