Annan Allen

Annan M. Allen, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 11 ,2021 after a courageous ongoing battle with Kidney Disease.

She was the daughter of Oscar and Margaret Murray born in Mamaroneck, NY on November 9th 1928.  In April of 1931, her family purchased the Springhill Farm on Slate Quarry Road in Rhinebeck, NY where she and her five (5) siblings were raised. She was a graduate of the Rhinebeck Central School.  Soon after High School, Annan went to work at Western Printing in Poughkeepsie, NY.   On April 14th, 1954 she married Gordon “Ike” Allen whom she would be married to for 64 years until his death on July 18, 2018.  They began their life together on the original Springhill Farm property next to the farmhouse where she was raised where they lived until their deaths.

She would leave Western Printing to start her family when her daughter, Laurie (Hay) was born in 1956 followed by her son Mark in 1959.

Annan’s favorite place other than the Springhill Farm property, was Cape Cod. She first spent many summers as a camp counselor on the Cape and then would vacation with her family for over 40 years at Craigville on the CBA beach. The entire family developed lifelong friends on the Cape and will carry those memories forward.

Besides being a fantastic wife to Ike and mom to Laurie and Mark, she was known as “Grandma Annan” to her two grandchildren, Monica and Corey Allen.  Having the pleasure of seeing her grandchildren grow up next door (also on the original Springhill Farm) was a true gift. She spent countless hours watching the kids before and after school, chauffeuring them to dance lessons, ball games, doctors’ appointments, and many other after school activities.  Attending their games from little league to High School was something she would not miss regardless of the weather. She was once awarded “fan of the year” from Corey’s Little League Team. Something that is proudly displayed on her bedroom wall.

She was an avid horse lover and got her daughter, Laurie, involved with horses as well.  She would take her to horse shows, pony club rallies and fox hunts.  Due to her love for horses she  became involved in several organizations including Landsman’s Kill Trail Association (LKTA) and the Dutchess County Fair Horseshow.  On any given fall day, you may find Annan out clearing a LKTA horse trail or at a resting station for one of their rides. She also hosted many rides from her home during the riding season. If it were Fair time in Rhinebeck, you would find Annan working the Horseshow for over 40 years. She was truly a staple at the event.  Due to her many years of service at the Fair Horse Show, in 2014 she received a lifetime membership to the fair.

During this final year with all the COVID-19 restrictions and isolation, some of her favorite times were simply talking about her memories of growing up on the farm property over her entire life.  Her memory was spot on talking about times as a kid playing with her siblings on the farm and then with her own family.  She truly understood and knew she lived a wonderful and long life and simply had no regrets.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Northern Dutchess Hospital and at the Thompson House in Rhinebeck. Their care for Annan until the very end was exceptional and loving. The visits allowed were very much appreciative especially during these uncertain times.

She is survived by her daughter Laurie Hay of Ottsville, PA; son Mark (Beth) of Rhinebeck; grandchildren Monica and Corey Allen both of Long Island City, NY, brother Jonathan of Hazelwood, MO and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers Michael, Tommy, and David, her sister Bobbie and her son-in-law Bruce.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to LKTA, C/O Paula Vincitore Stewart, P.O. Box 283, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 or to CCMA and sent to CBA, 39 Prospect Avenue, Centerville, MA 02632

Calling Hours will be Thursday, March 4th from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.  Burial will be private.

Due to Covid-19/NYS Guidelines – masks, social distancing and capacity limitations will be adhered to during all services.  During visitation, please be respectful to those who may be waiting to visit by keeping your stay brief.  Your cooperation is appreciated.  

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