Joan Burford Allen

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joan Burford Allen on October 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at the Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center. Joan was a native and resident of Baton Rouge. She was 67 years old.

She is survived by her daughter Katie Bourque (Benjamin) and their children Benny, Jonathan, and Sebastian; mother Anne B. Williams; siblings Richard Burford, Dale Burford (Donna), Susan Wilder (John); and step-siblings Becky Ellis (Jim), Ellen Daniels (John), Jan Hill (Terry). She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, her ex-husband and dear friend, Mike Allen, and her beloved dog Princess.

She is preceded in death by her father Richard B. Burford, M.D.; step-father Paul Williams; and her brother Ted Burford.

Joan was born on November 7, 1953, in Baton Rouge Louisiana and was raised in Baton Rouge in a loving family. Joan retired after almost 40 years of dedicated service in the legal profession. As a paralegal, she found much joy helping her clients, family, and friends. Joan was passionate about her clients because she believed everyone deserved proper legal assistance.

Joan was curious and never stopped learning. She was a voracious reader and she had an unmatched variety of literary interests ranging from fiction to action and adventure to classics to fantasy to history. Her reading was so expansive that her family and friends could not keep up with her every expanding knowledge of the most arcane fact or details. Joan loved music and she loved to dance. Her radiant smile and spirit lit up a room.

Those who knew Joan know that she was never at a loss for words. She always had a great story. Stubborn, but with a quick wit and sense of humor, she loved to laugh and bring laughter to others. Joan loved to have fun. She will be missed dearly but her love will live in our hearts.

Services will be private for the family.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude and thanks to the wonderful guidance and care provided by Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.