Joan Allen

It is with heart wrenching sadness that we write to let you know that Joan Wheaton Allen passed 1/4/14. She has struggled with failing health over the last 5 years. This has been more pronounced over the last few months; and she has been in and out of Northside Hospital or the Golden Living Rehab center since 9/29/13. She has struggled over the last few months trying to keep her appetite, strength and energy up and her blood counts 'normal'. She was having a significantly harder time breathing and even on supplemental oxygen still felt like she was 'drowning or gasping for air'. As you know - she was not a woman who wanted to be kept down or told what she could, or couldn't, do. But the last few years of illness took its toll on her and sapped her of her energy and vitality. Shocking for a woman we once compared to 'Maude' - in stature, appearance, presence and ability to make her thoughts known. So it's with this in mind, that we know that her death was a blessing. But that being said - it does not make it any easier for those of us who knew and loved her ... and will miss her terribly.

She had never met a stranger - and was constantly ‘getting involved’ in other peoples conversations. In fact, she met our father in New York (while she was on a date) when she heard him talking about people she knew from Dartmouth. Sure Elena and I always thought that it was a funny story but in our teens & 20's we were constantly embarrassed that she would ‘involve herself’ in other peoples conversations.... but she was an interesting and engaging conversationalist and people warmed to her; she welcomed them with her presence and, ultimately, made friends where ever she went. And the really funny thing is – is that it is apparently genetic- both Elena and I do it – Eavesdrop (just ask my husband Phillip – at times he is appalled by it – but we obviously had no control over it …. It’s in our genes)

She was amazingly generous - giving to friends, families and charities such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Children’s Hospital Foundation, Open Arms and the Blue Ridge Humane Society. I don't think that there is one person who came across her who didn't recognize how giving she was. Four of her favorite “charities” - although not the most deserving - were her children and grandchildren. It broke her heart that she spent this Christmas in the ICU. She was not able to shop for, or watch, McKala and Camryn open gifts. Both were activities that she truly enjoyed and got great satisfaction from. I, Tracy, am 50 years old - and she still couldn't let me leave their house without making sure that I had money for gas (I promise that I stopped accepting it after I graduated from college!!) and/or something to eat/drink for the road. Too funny: I guess in her eyes - Elena and I were no different than McKala and Camryn - still kids.

Prior to having me and Elena she had been a pediatric nurse at New York Hospital in NY city. She loved taking care of people; especially children. That was a trait that never changed. As a child I spent days/weeks in the hospital due to health problems and she was there for all of it. Even when she was on oxygen and relying on a wheelchair because she was too weak to walk - she would worry about us - 'Why are the girls coughing; do they have a cold?, How are your blood sugars doing? How is your sister - is she exhausted from the move? And please talk to your Dad – that much diet soda just can't be good for him' ..... I ask; who will have boatloads of tissues and provide a shoulder to sob on when we’re sad?? Who will we call when we want/ need to talk about something – or have some exciting news that is so big it makes you want to burst? I believe that I speak for both Elena, and I, (and countless other friends who sought her out to talk to in times of need) when I say that we will miss that.

Despite the decline in her health - my Dad did everything he could to make 2013 wonderful. He had an anniversary party for her at Bones -- their favorite restaurant. What a night it was; good food and better company. She made a trip to Chapel Hill, NC – a terribly sad occasion, the funeral of her brother Bob – but a great chance for her (all of us) to see the Wheaton/ Wolf side of our family, share stories and catch up with each other. She made another trip to The Grand Hotel in Michigan - which included a night of dancing to Big Band music. Even with her walker - she was a graceful form on the dance floor (oh didn’t she love music and dancing!). On September 25th, Mom & Dad moved from their home of 40 years in Indian Hills to a new home in Sterling Estates; an independent and assisted living complex. A move that she really wanted and while she didn't get to spend much time here - she did have a chance to decorate their new home the way she wanted. She was strong enough to leave the rehab center and go out for Thanks Giving dinner AND get a chance to see Elena, McKala and Camryn's new home; which she loved!!. BUT we all believe that the pinnacle of the year was going to see Andrea Bocelli on December 15th. My Dad had surprised her with VIP tickets - so she actually got to meet him during intermission. My Dad says that when she shook his hand she told him “I love your voice, it brings tears of joy to my eyes”.

So it is with great sadness that I acknowledge that she has left us. Well physically - her memory will remain forever strong. And a day will not go by that we don't miss her, or see something that reminds us of her, or have to resist the urge to call her. I knew we’d miss her; I didn’t expect it to be this much.

Rest in Peace and will see you soon. As Elena has said - you'll have heaven organized and running smoothly by the time we get there. We love you Mom (AKA ‘G. Mommy’ by McKala and Camryn)

Neal, Tracy, Elena, Phillip, McKala and Camryn

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 13, 2014 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill Chapel. A funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 11:30am at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church, Sandy Springs, GA.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to either the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org, 3525 Piedmont Rd NE, Bldg. 6 Ste 300, Atlanta GA 30305 or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, ATTN: Gift Processing , 1577 NE Expressway, Suite A , Atlanta, GA 30329 www.choa.org.