North Grafton – Frances (Tyndall) Allen, 100, of North Grafton, passed peacefully Wednesday, May 13, 2015 after a full and rich life. She was predeceased by her dear husband of 54 years, Raymond Harrington Allen, former Postmaster in North Grafton, who passed in 2006.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Pourali and her husband Mehdi of Westborough; one sister, Winifred Gies; and many nieces, nephews and her extended international family. She was also predeceased by three sisters and five brothers.
Fran was born in Attleboro, daughter of the late Jenny Elizabeth (Brown) and James Tyndall, and lived in Bellingham, Framingham, and then for 63 years in North Grafton in the home that she and Ray built. She graduated from Milford High School, Framingham State College, and Boston University, where she earned her Master’s degree.
She was a teacher for 38 years in the Bellingham, Framingham, and Grafton school systems. She was a member of the Mass Teachers Association, the National Education Association, Amnesty International, and the International Club of Worcester. She was also the oldest living parishioner of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in North Grafton and an original participant of the Framingham Heart Study for over 60 years.
Fran and Ray shared a long and healthy retirement together traveling worldwide and spending many happy summers at their cottage on Cape Cod. She greatly appreciated and found peace in nature and poetry.
Everyone knew her to have a sweet, gentle manner whose kindness extended to all. She inspired her students, who always held her in high esteem and remembered her fondly. One of her greatest hopes was peace for all.
Flowers may be sent, or you may honor her life with memorial donations to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 53 N. Main St., North Grafton, MA 01536.
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m., in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 53 N. Main St., North Grafton. She will then be laid to rest next to her husband in Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton. All are invited to calling hours Wednesday, May 20, from 5-8 p.m., at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton.
An online book to offer condolences and share memories is available at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.