She was born in Milwaukee, WI, on September 3, 1923 to Lawrence and Bertha Lehman. Bernita graduated from Eastern High School in 1942. She married the love of her life, Gardner (Jack) Allen on October 24, 1944. Her life was enriched by her faith, family and many friends. She was a long time member of St. Gerard Catholic Church and an active member of the Association of Catholic Women. She gave her time and generosity to volunteering for many years.
Bernita enjoyed traveling, swimming, weekly Euchre games with the 39ers, and monthly breakfast with coworkers from Ingham Medical. She especially enjoyed traveling with Jack in an RV for many years and she loved playing golf, winter skiing, and Square Dancing. She most enjoyed and loved spending time with family, children, and grandchildren. A loving wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend will be dearly missed by all.
She is survived by her dear family, Marilyn Miller, Tom (Judy) Allen, Laurie (Tom) Lander, David (Kelly) Allen; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Russel Lehman; and many nieces and nephews. Bernita was preceded in death by her husband, Gardner (Jack) Allen; one great-grandchild, Ty; son-in-law, Bernard Miller; two brothers; two sisters; and her parents.
A visitation for Bernita will be held Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a rosary starting at 7:30 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917. The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. Following Mass, Bernita will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, 2520 W Willow St, Lansing, MI 48917.
Serving as pallbearers are Ryan Allen, Bernard (BJ) Miller, Tom Allen, Katie Myers, Eric Miller, and Ryan Melser.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bernita's memory may be made to St. Gerard Catholic School, 4433 W Willow Hwy., Lansing, Michigan 48917 and Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Gerard Conference Office, 1213 Clark St., Lansing, Michigan 48917.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Grand Haven Living Center on West Mount Hope.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com for the Allen family.
