Mary Louise (Bettencourt) Allen

Mary Louise Bettencourt Allen, 76, a longtime resident of Winsted and retired secretary for The Gilbert School, died peacefully on Tuesday September 26, 2017, with her daughters and husband by her side.

Mary was born in Fall River, MA on August 25th, 1941, the daughter of Manuel S. Bettencourt and Annie G. Fleck Bettencourt, both deceased.  She was the eldest sister of Dorothy Bettencourt Willette of Sandwich, MA and Barbara Bettencourt Correia of Senoia, GA.

Mary graduated from Taunton High School in 1959 and attended Bridgewater State Teacher’s College 1959-1960.  She married Richard B. Allen in 1962 and devoted herself to supporting him through college, preparing for the life they would live and the beautiful, strong family they would raise together.  She will be greatly missed by her children, Beth Allen and her partner Jeff Sundberg; Cindy Allen and her husband Joe Meola, and daughter Kristin Driscoll; Lilly Allen, and her son Adan Leonardo Roman-Allen, Jenny Allen Gilley, her husband John Gilley, and their daughters Mariel and Pearl Gilley; and Richelle Allen and her partner Kenneth Cowan.  Mary also cherished the relationship she had with her nieces and nephews and held her friends dear.

Mary valued individualism, independence, and feminine strength.  She was an intelligent, resourceful, and elegant mother, grandmother, friend, painter, avid reader, gardener, community volunteer, and had a mysterious knack for “reading people,” among other practical and creative talents.   She enthusiastically oversaw all family holidays, special events and birthdays celebrated at her welcoming home.

Her community memberships include the Junior Women’s club, and the Christian Women’s fellowship. She was a longtime member of the Church of Christ where she served as a Deacon and sang beautifully in the Church Choir.  Mary also enjoyed traveling to all the places her daughters lived. In later years, Mary also played Mah Jong with “the ladies” every Tuesday, and delighted in discussing current events and enjoying a gourmet meal with family and friends.

The family will welcome visitors on Saturday, November 18, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The WL Gilbert Trust Corporation, c/o The Gilbert School, 200 Williams Avenue, Winsted, CT 06098 Attn:  Sandi Lynn Scherer, Alumni Coordinator   Condolences may sent to the Allen family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com