Lorna D. Allen
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Lorna Dale Allen was born July 26, 1922, in Toledo, Ohio. Lorna passed away August 12, 2014, at her residence in Lawrence, KS.
Lorna was the loving wife of Charles C. Allen. Charles and Lorna were married for 47 years until he passed away April 18, 1995.
Lorna was known as a fashionista. Many of Lorna’s friends would comment on how they loved her exquisite style.
Lorna’s outstanding skills led to her career as an executive secretary to Florida Governor Faris Bryant, Florida State Treasurer Broward Williams, and Florida Governor and Presidential Candidate Rubin Askew. At the height of her career she was named the National Secretary of the Year.
Lorna volunteered at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for 20 years. She was honored with both the Elizabeth Watkins and Margaret Lockwood awards. She served on the gift shop committee, Auxiliary Finance Committee and the governor Committee. Some of Lorna’s wonderful characteristics were her curiosity, her dedication to gaining accurate information and amazing attention to details.
Lorna could be found on Tuesday morning at First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence folding newsletter and enjoying fellowship.
Many new residents of Lawrence were greeted to her smiling face and inviting ways through her participation in Welcome Club. She loved her bridge groups and chat and stitch.
Lorna’s curiosity led her to travel through the USA and numerous cruises.
Lorna and her husband Charles moved to Lawrence, KS in the mid 1980’s to be near her dear niece, Linda and husband Ross Randall. Loved and respected to all that knew her, known to many as “Aunt Lorna”
She was preceded in death by husband Charles, four sisters: Dorothy, Nancy, Susan, and Donna, two brothers: Sterling and Arnold.
She is survived by: 16 nieces, 15 nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 16, held at First Presbyterian Church, Lawrence, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity, Lawrence, KS or The Florida’s Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch and may be made in care of the mortuary.
I always loved seeing Lorna at the Hospital Gift shop and we would bump into each other from time to time at the beauty shop. She was one of the most radiant and fashionable ladies I have ever met! I will miss her smiling sweet face, may peace be with you “Sweet Lorna”.
I am so saddened by Lorna’s passing. I have known Lorna for several years from the LMH gift shop. She was my Friday morning girl friend. She always had a hug for me and would tell me what was going on in her life. She always made my day by her positive outlook. I miss her already. She will always be remembered in my heart. RIP my friend, Patty V.
I always amazed by the energy and motivation exhibited by Aunt Lorna. Whenever we spoke on the phone she had nothing but positive words and understanding. Her life was full and helpful to all. We will always cherish the embroidered linen napkin she sent our daughter Anna-Leigh with the history behind it as well. She was a wealth of information on many subjects. We didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time together however we were fortunate enough to get to know and love her through calls and letters. We are sadden by her passing but are thankful for her life and the knowledge she is with her Lord and others that have gone on before.
Lorna Allen served as a remarkable mentor for me and many other young women starting our careers in Florida state government in the 70’s. She was firm, demanding “perfection,” which ultimately made us much better people. She provided me many important life lessons personally and I mourn her passing.
Linda and Ross,
I always loved seeing your aunt Lorna, what a cheerful, joyous person!
She always looked so beautiful and put together and was so enthusiastic about Meadowlark. I got such a smile seeing her in the
“flash mob” video. I will never forget her and hope to carry her with me to inspire me in the future.
Hope you are well and my family has many fond memories of seeing Linda and the doggies out walking and special times at Halloween.
Wishing you both peace and fond memories of your aunt, whom you cared for so well and with so much love.
Mary Pat and Michael Lange