Allene Rose Newberg Bilodeau

Allene Newberg Bilodeau was born in N.Y.C. and came to fruition in Bloomington IN, having moved here at the age of four. Her heart was of two cities. It also bounced about with her husband and grown kids. Together, she and husband Doug raised five children, four boys and a girl, as well as having taken in and helping to raise a wide cast of children from other families, homing countless animals, nurturing and honoring all who walk through their door. In her eyes, all children were of god and all living beings an expression of love. Her passion for motherhood and family wellness extended to the practice of midwifery and later running a daycare center out of the family home. She fought loud and proud for human rights, attending protests and rallies until she was 72 for issues including racial justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. A writer of poetry and semi-autobiographical fiction, she wrote for commercial publications as well as creative collectives. She was, in her own words “drawn to writing as a crow to sparklies, but in poetry, rolling naked in a field of scented words” A dancer, she felt movement in her bones and music in her soul, encouraging kids and adults alike to shake, sway, and boogie, always. She regularly took kids and teens to musical events, theater, ballet, exhibits, films, and openings. She sought to draw out and nurture the light in young futures. Through photography she reflected the world back at itself and despite its capacity for darkness, claimed and exclaimed its joy. Allene housed a unique and exceptional soul, may it run forever wild. She is survived by husband Doug, daughter Amy, sons David, Aaron, and Joshua, also Erika, Katrina, and Jimmy who she took in as her own, Sister Donna, Brothers Steve and Dave, grandchildren Zoe and Henry, niece Jennifer and her boys Raymond and Alex. Preceded in death by eldest son James, mother Catherine, and father Allen. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donating to Beacon / Shalom Community Center in Bloomington. There will be an initial private family service, however, a larger public celebration of life will be held a bit later in 2021 so that we may safely accommodate larger crowds and celebrate together. To be notified of further arrangements for Allene’s Celebration of Life, email: [email protected]