Penelope "Penny" Allen

Penelope Lou Allen (Williams) passed away the afternoon of August 20th, 2026. Born to be a “Penny”, but forced to be a “Penelope” by the nuns at St. Anthony’s Hospital on March 23, 1947 in Chicago, IL. Penny grew up in Miller Beach, Indiana, was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and graduated from Wirt High School in 1965. Ever the scholar, Penny began her Bachelor’s Degree at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She spoke about her time as an Auggie fondly, but ultimately finished her Bachelor’s in Education at Indiana University Northwest in 1972. Penny went on to earn her Deaf/Blind Licensure at Michigan State in 1972, as well her Master’s Degree at Indiana State University in 1976. “Miss Penny” was a devoted educator and advocate for people with disabilities. She spent four and a half years working at LCAR in East Chicago while she finished her degree. She then spent 44 years with School City of Hammond as a Teacher, Case Manager, and then Primary Coordinator. Penny spent many summers working day camp for SCH, hauling thousands of gallons of Kool-Aid in her station wagon. She was beloved by her students, their parents, and especially her coworkers. She retired in 2016. Penny married Paul Allen on June 15, 1974 at Bethel Lutheran. They celebrated their 52nd Anniversary this summer. Their daughter Nicki joined the family in January of 1981 and their daughter Emily was born in September of 1981. They raised their family in Hobart, Indiana, hosting 4th of July every year for the parade. Several well loved dogs joined the ranks over the years, including Rudy, Spot and Heidi I, Heidi II and Heidi III. Penny passed her love of road trips, summer camp, swimming, reading and music to her daughters. Penny loved a good concert or show and she sang along to all of the songs, no matter the genre. She never missed an episode of MASH, Jeopardy, or Wheel of Fortune. She was always up for a good meal, shared with friends or family. Penny is preceded in death by her father, George Williams, mother, Lois Williams (Woeltje), and daughter Nicki. She is survived by her husband Paul, daughter Emily, siblings Linda Williams, Steve Williams, and Susan Ailes and a large number of nieces, nephews and many, MANY friends who loved her very much and will miss her greatly. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3 to 7pm at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10am at Augustana Lutheran, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart, Indiana 46307 with a memorial visitation from 9am until the time of service. Please visit www.BurnsFuneral.com to view and sign Penny’s online guestbook.

Penelope "Penny" Allen

March 23, 1947 - August 20, 2026