Margaret Allen

Margaret “Margie” Allen died peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.\, Thursday, Sept. 13 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Rudolph Juarez officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials to honor Margaret can be made to The Regina Foundation, The Mercy Foundation or The Allen Family.

Her life began June 16, 1945, at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, N.C., where she was born to William and Betty (Grady) Storey. She shared her childhood with her four brothers, Stephen, Paul, Patrick and Kevin. Margaret’s family later moved back to Des Moines, where she graduated from St Joseph Academy and then attended Clarke College. She intended to become a sister in the Catholic church at one time in her life. Later, she met John Allen, who came by the Storey house to pick up her brother and that changed everything! John and Margaret shared their love story together for more than 52 years. They moved to Iowa City in 1971. Their children Chris, Mark and Andy were great blessings in their lives.

Margaret adored her grandchildren and sat on many bleachers enthusiastically cheering them on. Her love for Notre Dame football, Regina Regals, the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Women’s Basketball gave her great joy and a reason to travel to see them play. Of course, her trips to Boston and Ireland were special with all the history, shopping and memories made.

Margaret was a dedicated member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church. She loved her opportunity to teach preschool and surround herself with children while working at Regina Elementary and Montessori Preschool. Recently she had volunteered with the Mercy Guild. Margaret enjoyed reading and learning. Her travels with John were a highlight of the past several years and allowed her time for both.

Those who will honor her memory are her husband, John; and their children, Chris (Marcia) Allen of North Liberty, Mark (Emily) Allen of Newton and Andy (Mary) Allen of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Sean Allen of Omaha, Noah, Estella, Henry, Max and Charlie of Newton and Ezra of Cedar Rapids; her brothers, Paul (Rose) Storey, Patrick (Pam) Storey and Kevin (Lori) Storey; sister in-law, Margaret Storey; brother-in-law, James ( Mary Kay) Allen; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Those preceding Margaret in death were her parents; and her brother, Stephen.

Special thank you to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit and Dr. Michael Hoffman at Mercy Iowa City.

Online condolences may be sent to lensingfuneral.com.