Marian J. Allen

Marian J. Allen, age 90, of Oakmont, passed away on August 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, she will be missed by all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Clay Allen, and her sister, Joanne Ahlstrom. She is survived by her son William Allen (Machiko) of Los Angeles, CA and daughter Sara Allen of Oakmont, PA. Grandmother of Rebecca Giancola (Dustin Eiseman), Vanessa Giancola (Darryl Jones), Bethany Giancola, and Anthony Giancola. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Morrison (the late David) and Nancy Valles (Louis). Also many nieces, nephews, and several cousins. 

Marian attended Bethany College where she met her husband William, fondly known as Bill, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation, both attended Yale Divinity School, where Marian started a Nursery School Program. This is where Marian’s passion for Early Childhood Development began. She continued her studies at Kent State University, after which she initiated and directed the Wonderland Nursery School in Mantua, OH. 

Born and raised in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Marian went on to become a world traveler. She and her husband served as missionaries for the Disciples of Christ and spent four years in Paraguay, South America. Later in life, Marian enjoyed traveling the countries of Europe with her sister, as well as visiting the various destinations in the United States of America.

She had a talent and passion for candy making, and was a self-taught professional chocolatier. Those fortunate enough to taste her chocolate truffles, buttercrunch, and opera fudge can attest to the high quality of her confections. Even after she’d hung up her candy making apron, she always enjoyed sampling fine chocolates. 

A prayer service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10 AM at English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Oakmont, PA 15139. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to either Oakmont Presbyterian Church or the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. 

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