Marlene Ann Allen

Marlene Allen, 80, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020, at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL. She was born September 14, 1939, in Rockford, IL, the only daughter of Thorsten Carlson and Ann (Carlson) Carlson, both from Sweden. Marlene married the late Phillip F. Allen, of Rockford, IL in 1964.

Marlene lived her entire life in Rockford, and was a graduate of Rockford East High school, Class of 1957. She discovered her love of classical ballet in high school and danced for many years with Gary Roberts School of Dance in Rockford. Marlene worked for Krupp Steel in Rockford and then Sundstrand Corporation, doing secretarial work, where she met Phil.

Marlene was proud of her Swedish heritage, and was a member of Rockford’s Swedish Historical Society for many years. She was a wonderful, loving and supportive mother to her two children Mark and Kristine, and proud Grandma (“Bubba”- Gracie) to her two granddaughters, Alex and Gracie. Marlene was a talented seamstress, a wonderful homemaker, and loyal friend.

She loved to travel, enjoyed long road trips in the U.S., and delighted in the many pleasures of Paris, England, and Ireland. She loved music and books of all kinds, enjoyed poetry and theatre, loved learning, and passed her love of all of these cultural riches to her children and grandchildren. Marlene loved the outdoors and was happiest near any body of water or ocean coast. She loved to laugh, and no one delighted her more with his sense of humor than her son Mark.

Marlene will be deeply missed. Marlene is survived by her son Mark C. Allen (partner Rigo Mejia), daughter Kristine E. Allen (Richard) McMahon, granddaughter Alex Allen, and granddaughter Gracie McMahon. She was preceded in death by her parents Thorsten and Ann, step-father George Wegenke, and her husband Phillip.

A special thank you to OSF St. Anthony doctors and nurses for their superior compassionate care and many kindnesses in Marlene’s last days. Special thanks also to nurse Faye at Fairhaven nursing home for her kind care. Thanks also to Marlene’s longtime friends for their constant concern and support, especially Mary Vandenbergen, Monica Michaels, Carol Monti, Pat Bacino, Marcia Carlson, and to Marlene’s hairstylist and friend Micky Demarco for her many kindnesses over the years.

Private family graveside service and burial will be held on Wednesday, July 29, at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, with a larger public memorial gathering to be planned for the future. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.