Jane Brereton Allen - Obituary

From St. Louis TODAY ALLEN, JANE (nee Brereton), died November 5, 2004 at the age of 78; adored by all for her dry wit and scrumptious fudge; she was the beloved wife of the late Richard Eilers Allen of Webster Groves and the dear sister of Margaret Gamble of Kirkwood, Robert Brereton of Ladue, Donald Brereton, the late Jack Brereton and the late Marion Swift; her parents were Corena Cecilia Brereton (nee McDermott) and Henry Arthur Brereton of Clayton and Frontenac. A graduate of Mills College in California, Jane met Richard at Washington University in St. Louis where she earned a Master's Degree in English Literature. “Dick and Jane” were married at Wash. U's Graham Chapel on June 9, 1950. After living in Germany, Italy, Cuba, Maine and Nebraska, they settled in Bloomington-Normal, IL from 1963-1983 where Dick taught English at Illinois State University, and Jane became a vital part of the local Girl Scout chapter. Upon Dick's retirement, Jane and he moved “back home” to St. Louis, where they resided in Clayton and University City. Jane will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Elizabeth Allen of University City, Katherine Kirby of El Paso, IL, and Margaret Gould (and husband, Tim) of Secor, IL; as well as by her adored and adoring grand children: Alexander, Emma and Benjamin Kirby; Molly and Daniel Gould; and Dylan and Lucas Allen. Her family invites all friends to a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, November 13, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church on 11155 Clayton Road, Frontenac. Please come early to be shuttled to the Old Meeting House on Geyer Road. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions in memory of Jane be sent to Reading is Fundamental, a literacy group of which Jane was a tireless and devoted volunteer: R.I.F., 57 Ridgemoor, St. Louis, MO 63105. Jane will be mourned and cherished by all whose lives she touched with her generosity of spirit; her celebrated cooking skills; her down-to-earth authenticity; the courage and grace she showed in sickness and in health; and her extraordinary ability to simply put love first. (published: 11/10/2004)