Elizabeth "Bettye" Jane Allen

Elizabeth “Bettye” Allen was born in 1922 in Monroe, Michigan to Francis Jacobs and Inez Jacobs (Lozon). She had a brother and two younger sisters, which made for a lively household growing up.

Bettye left Monroe for the “modern” city of Ann Arbor as soon as she was able. She married Richard Allen, M.D., who established the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the University of Michigan, and to whom she was married for 69 years. They had two children, Wendy and Thomas.

Her working years began at the WWII munitions plant at Willow Run and Bettye ended her career as a secretary for the University of Michigan. She was kind, loving, devout and loved a good laugh. An avid reader with a curious mind, she had subscriptions to both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal so she could “read both sides of the story.” Those who knew her were familiar with the “Bettye-isms” she shared regarding what constitutes a happy life. Her recent thoughts on turning 100 years old include, “Change the things you can; accept what you cannot change; plan for how you will face the future. Every moment you mourn is a moment lost in the present.” Her final years were some of the most peaceful and satisfying of her life, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She was recently predeceased by her beloved son, Tom, and is survived by daughter Wendy (Steven Sparks), grandchildren Sarah Plumb and James Schaftenaar, three great-granddaughters, three nephews and their families. Donations may be made in her name to Christ the King Catholic Church of Ann Arbor.