Pearl Allen

On February 26, 2017, Pearl Allen, much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, at the age of 94, slipped from this world and made her grand entrance into the presence of her Heavenly Father. Pearl was born September 1, 1922 to William and Mathilda Felten. Growing up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, she worked as an editor for the Sheboygan Press before attending Wheaton College from 1943-1944. From there she transferred to Wesley Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Chicago and completed her nursing degree in 1947. She met Bill Allen, a medical student at that time and they were married in March of 1947. Pearl and Bill were led to serve as medical missionaries in the Belgian Congo from 1950-1961. It was during that time they grew into a family with four children. Returning to the states they set up residence in Zion, Illinois where Dr. Allen set up a medical practice at Zion Clinic. Pearl, or “Polly” whom she was lovingly called by those who knew her, along with raising and caring for her husband and four children, led a neighborhood Good News Club through Child Evangelism Fellowship. They were founding members of North Shore Bible Chapel, ministering there for many years. Polly taught Sunday school, was involved in a neighborhood prayer group and had an outreach ministry to families and friends in the community. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her loving husband, Bill. She is survived by her children Larry (Jan) Allen, Nancy (Craig) McIntyre, Tim (Jane) Allen and Steve (Terri) Allen; ten grandchildren Christie (Mark) Carlsson, Martin Allen, Chris (Maddie) Allen, Ben (Jennifer) Allen, Rob Allen, Ron (Kate) Allen, Mandy McIntyre, Heather (Joe) Juhl, Chad (Liz) McIntyre, and Jessica (Stephen) Langley; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings Frannie (Cliff) Leonard, Arlie (Gil) Beers, Ginny (Jim) Masterson, Joyce (Dave) Detert, Bill (Doris) Felten. Polly Allen was recognized by all who knew her to have a personal faith in God and to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was well known for her sweet smile that reflected the love of Christ and her joy in the Lord. Polly's life was a living example of the grace and love of God to others. The family would like to thank the staff of Rolling Hills for their outstanding care, North Shore Bible Chapel and Christ Community Church for their love and support. Visitation will be held at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL on Friday, March 3, from 9:00-10:30, followed by a Funeral Service. Interment at Mount Olivet Memorial Park with meditations by Al Leach to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Wycliffe Bible Translators at P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200.