Willa Allen

Willa Allen passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, in Westminster, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 8, 1938, in Moline, Illinois, and throughout her life, she devoted herself to family, learning, and advocacy.

Willa excelled academically from an early age, earning a prestigious Boettcher Scholarship and becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She pursued her passion for helping others, earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Her career began in California before she returned to Colorado, where she became a pediatric social worker with Denver Health. After retiring from social work, she continued her dedication to children as a paraprofessional for Denver Public Schools, working with special needs students.

Above all, Willa was a devoted mother who centered her life around enriching the lives of her children. She made every effort to expose them to museums, children's theater, and other cultural experiences. Her deep care extended to her grandchildren, taking her granddaughter Alyssa to Disneyland and ensuring she could travel to perform with her marching band in London, and taking her grandson Ian to horseback riding therapy, music lessons, and community events for teens and young adults with special needs.

Willa was a lifelong learner and a proud member of Mensa. She had a deep love of reading and was a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs, playing an active role in organizations such as The Autism Society and Parents of Adults with Disabilities.

Willa impacted the lives of and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Jonathan (Lisa); daughter, Mihal (George); her cherished grandchildren, Alyssa and Ian; and her sister, Laura Thomson. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl; mother, Cathy; stepmother, Robbie; and brother, Bruce.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Autism Society or another organization supporting individuals with special needs, a cause close to Willa’s heart.