In Memory of Sister William Allen

March 17, 1914 – December 6, 2015

Sister Mary William Allen, 101, daughter of William and Annie (Williams), was born Mary Alice Allen on March 17, 1914, in Clare, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in December of 1940 and professed her perpetual vows on June 10, 1946.

Sister William received a bachelor’s degree from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. Her Presentation ministries of elementary teacher and principal, spanning 69 years, took her to Elkader, Storm Lake, Charles City, Monona, Epworth, Algona, Sheldon, Dubuque (Resurrection), Whittemore and Humboldt, all in Iowa, Winner, South Dakota and Oak Lawn, Illinois. She was also the Mount Loretto House Coordinator from 1955-1961.

Sister William retired in 1987 and used her sewing and mending skills at Mount Loretto for many years. She enjoyed prayer and community service, sewing, reading and making rosaries and greeting cards. With a generous heart, Sister William lived daily, “I enjoy volunteering my services wherever they are needed.” She let her life be guided by the scripture passage, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:50)

Surviving are nieces, nephews and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 75 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, George, and her sisters, Mildred Halligan, Dorothy McMahon, Ruth Brand and Aileen Allen.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dbqpbvms.org.