Westborough/Worcester – Esther E. (Noponen) Allen, 86, of Worcester, formerly of Westborough, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center of Worcester.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Thomas and Bertha L. (Alden) Noponen, and lived in Westborough for 49 years before retiring and moving to Worcester.
Esther was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Howard A. Allen, in May 2012. She is survived by her sons, Ronald H. Allen and his wife Patricia of Holden and Bruce T. Allen and his partner Kathryn Wilkinson of Auburn; a daughter, Gail L. Verge of Westborough; a sister, Betty M. Lampi and her husband Rauno Lampi of Westborough; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Donald Alden and Thomas Noponen.
After graduating from Commerce High School in Worcester, Esther went on to a career devoted to dance and early childhood education. She founded the Allen Dance and Preschool of Westborough in 1959 and directed the school for 43 years, enhancing the lives of innumerable local children. For many years, Esther served as the choreographer for the Westborough Community Chorus.
Esther was a lifelong member of the Greendale People’s Church and active in the church’s Caring Ministry. She was also a Past President of Dance Masters of America, Boston.
Following her retirement, Esther became devoted to gathering and composing hundreds of positive messages of inspiration and hope that she shared with and passed on to anyone she met or learned of who was in need of support and encouragement.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis St., Worcester. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Contributions, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is assisting the Allen family with arrangements.
To share a memory or offer an online condolence, visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.
