Josephine Allen

Josephine L.  Allen (also affectionately referred to as Miss Jo, Turbo Jo, Jo Jo and Grandma Jo)

Our dear sweet mother passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2014 in St. George, Utah of natural causes incident to age, shortly after her 89 ^th birthday. Josephine Louise was born on September 27, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Arturo Giuseppe Pieri and Rosaria Ida “Sadie” Del Vecchio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   Mom spent over 19 years in her hometown in “South Philly” before marrying love of her life, Ralph LeRoy Allen on May 5, 1945.  They lived in Pennsylvania and North Carolina before moving west to Utah in 1972.  They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many callings throughout her life.  She loved the sunshine and one could often find her in the back yard or front steps working on her “tan”.  Mom enjoyed playing the piano regardless of where it was and you could hear her soul when she played.  While not formally educated, she had a doctorate in people.  She knew them and loved them and they knew it.   Her favorite times where when she could be with her children and grandchildren.  She frequently remarked, “We had fun, we always have fun” and it fit her to a tee.  Mom spent 21 years and dedicated her energies to the children at Miss Swendy’s Day School as “Miss Jo”.  The impact she had on so many young lives and generations of lives was magical.  Upon her retirement, a room was dedicated as “Miss Jo’s Room” in her honor.  She constantly gave of herself in all her endeavors.   She was a friend to everyone she met and never forgot a name or face.  She was selfless, loyal, compassionate and radiated Christ-like love for everyone in her life.   Mom was so very proud of her Italian heritage, her Philadelphia roots and was always good for a laugh or two.   She brought out the best in us all.  She was a dedicated wife and mother.  She was well loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her six children;  Sandy Tucker (Robert) of Broomall, PA,  Paula Pringle of Washington, UT,  Norman Allen (Miriam) of Cottonwood Heights, UT,  Ralph Allen (Tammy) of Syracuse, UT,  Orin Allen (Janet) of Draper, UT  and Lauren Alger (Scott) of West Jordan, UT; 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.   Preceded in death by her parents and her eternal companion, Ralph.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 11 am at the Wakefield LDS Chapel, 6567 S. Wakefield Way (6040 West), West Jordan with viewing services at the church on Thursday, from 6-8 pm and Friday from 9:30-10:30 am.   Interment following funeral will be at Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Rd, West Jordan.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.