Obituary
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Josephine P. Allen

Date of Death: January 4, 2016

Date of Birth: May 19, 1924

Biography:

POWNAL - Josephine Pervier Allen died peacefully during the early morning on Monday, Jan. 4th, 2016. Born on May 19, 1924 to Joseph and Emma Loring Pervier, she lived at the Loring farm in Pownal during her early years and then moved to the Pervier farm where her grandparents William and Nellie Pervier lived. Jo graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1941 and married Edward Allen on March 28, 1942. They lived in Freeport for a few years raising two sons, Ronald and Leonard, and a daughter, Marion. The family moved back to the farm in Pownal in 1953 where Jo helped with the farming as well as working at Freeport Shoe Co. When a younger cousin, Sally Pervier, sadly lost her parents, Jo welcomed her to the family.
In 1963, Jo began fulfilling a lifelong dream by attending night classes at Gorham State Teacher's College. By second year, she attended day classes while helping to care for her mother and assisting with farm chores. She graduated in 1967 with a bachelor's degree and later with a master's degree. Jo taught fourth grade from 1968 until her retirement in 1984. In later years when she and her husband retired they moved nearby into a new home built by Ed.
Jo was an active member of her church at Pownal Center. In early days she rose early to build a fire before the service. She was a clerk for many years, contributed much to the Ladies Aide and worked on church suppers preparing foods and baking 6 to 8 pies. She wrote a brief history of the church and a booklet of memories of her parents. She was a member of Granite Grange and of the Historical Society.
In addition to Jo's reputation for delicious pies, she became famous for her yummy donuts and fudge. She was a very caring person who connected well with her students at school and others. She mentored several children who were in need. She was much loved by many.
Jo experienced a lifetime trip by flying to Scotland with teacher friend, Gail Butler. She and Ed took several trips to West Virginia to visit son, Ron, and family. At home, she especially enjoyed all the visits of grand kids, nieces and nephews. She showered them with treats, let them help with cooking, read to them and sewed outfits for special occasions. They
all have wonderful memories to share.
Jo is predeceased by her husband, whom she shared 63 years of marriage, and her brother Felton Pervier and wife Rita. She is survived by her two sons, Ronald and Leonard Allen, her daughter, Marion Curry, her "adopted" daughter, Sally Ridlon, 6 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
A celebration of Josephine's life will be held at the First Parish Congregational Church at Pownal Center on Saturday, January 9th at 2:00.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.FuneralAlternatives.net.
Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 374 Route 1, Yarmouth.