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Vera Jean (Hinrichs) Allen, 99, of Forestville, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, following an illness. She was born in Chicago, IL on March 27, 1927, the daughter of the late Arthur and Edith (Johnson) Hinrichs.
She, like many of her generation, was greatly influenced by the Great Depression and World War II.
Vera grew up in Itasca, IL and was a graduate of Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, IL, Class of 1944. She received her Bachelors Degree in Teaching from Albion Methodist College in Michigan, where she met Don during college. She was set up as a blind date by his sister Janice – Vera's college roommate. Don cancelled their second date unexpectedly because he had to get his appendix removed; however, they continued to date and were married in 1949.
They moved to Boston, where Don received his Masters Degree at MIT, then moved to Kenmore, NY after his graduation, where their first three children were born. Don attended the University of Illinois to get his PhD, and Vera received her Masters Degree in Education, so the family moved to Urbana where the last three children were born. Afterwards, the family moved to Pekin, NY, where they lived for many years – eventually ending up in Forestville. Vera began her career as a school teacher in Boston, which she had to quit because at the time married women could not teach. Later on, she worked for Niagara-Wheatfield School as a Substitute Teacher in Sanborn, NY. When all her children arrived she became a full-time stay-at-home mom, where she poured her heart into her family, creating a home filled with warmth, structure and unconditional love. From managing busy schedules to teaching life's most important lessons at the kitchen table, her children always knew they were her greatest priority and proudest achievement. Every Sunday after church the entire family gathered in the dining room to eat a big meal; many interesting conversations flowed during this time.
After her children were grown up, Vera channeled her analytical mind into a second career in tax preparation. She worked as a Tax Preparer at H&R Block for many years, eventually ending in Torrance, CA.
Vera attended the Forestville United Methodist Church and was a member of the Stockton Rebekah Lodge. She was a devoted wife and mother, always ready to help others and a faithful servant of God who walked through life guided by an unwavering commitment to her Christian beliefs from decades of dedicated service to the Church. Whether teaching Sunday school, lifting her voice in the choir, or helping behind the scenes – she poured her heart into the Church, leaving behind a legacy of faith, prayer & unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Vera's talents were varied, and many. Beyond the routines of daily life, Vera found genuine joy and peace in her creative passions. Whether she was crocheting potholders for family and friends, challenging her sharp mind with daily crossword puzzles or expressing her artistic abilities through her beautiful cake decorating – her hobbies reflected her patience and love. Vera enjoyed caning, re-finishing furniture, embroidery, ceramics and doing cross-stitch; she also made the best pies. Vera will be remembered by her children & friends as always being available, helping with whatever task one needed done, showing her love for everything she did and her beautiful smile. The family remembers all the picnics, camping trips, evenings playing cards, piano lessons, homework sessions and quality time Vera spent with them.
Survivors include a daughter; Roberta (Bob) Marton of Fremont, CA, three sons; Douglas (Valerie) Allen of Bluffton, SC, David (Bonnie) Allen of Forestville and Kent (Terry) Allen of Rockledge, FL. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren; Kendra, Jon, Bryan, John, Christopher, Daniel, Matthew, Travis, Dustin, Jared & Zachary, six great-grandchildren; Maci, Juniper, Willow, Vera, Maddox & Russell, a daughter-in-law; Diane Debinder and several nieces & nephews.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Don Robert Allen, whom she married on July 16, 1949 and who died on March 26, 2009, an infant daughter, Karen Allen, who died unexpectedly of pneumonia in 1955 at just one year old, a son; James "Jim" Allen and her brother; Walter K. Hinrichs.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street on Saturday, October 10th at 11 o'clock with Patrick Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Arkwright Summit Cemetery. The family invites all who know her to attend and share their favorite memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street, Forestville, NY 14062, Forestville Fire Department, Inc., PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 100 College Parkway, Suite 280, Williamsville, NY 14221.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome .com.