Barbara Jean (Griffin) Allen, 79, of Monroe died peacefully March 24, at St Vincent's Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born September 7, 1937, in Torrington, Conn., daughter of the late Gertrude (Simons) and Brian Griffin, and had been a longtime Monroe resident.

Her four children and their spouses, Scott and Lisa Allen of Sandy Hook; Paul Jr and Lynn Allen of Oxford; John and Rachel Allen of Ansonia; and Tracey and Ken Ludvinsky of Southbury survive her. Ms Allen was a grandmother to ten, great-grandmother to one, and was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. She, the oldest of seven children, is also survived by her siblings Virginia Tripp, Sandra Ekvall, Laura DelNegro, David Griffin, Martha Badeau, and John Griffin. Ms Allen's infant son, Ronald Lee Allen, predeceased her.

Ms Allen worked as a visiting nurse for years with United Home Healthcare before retiring. She spent the majority of her life raising and caring for her family. Her passions were in gardening, cooking, camping, and traveling in her later years with her longtime companion Everett. There was never a time that Ms Allen did not have a Smokey the cat by her side. She will always be remembered for her amazing meatloaf and pot roast dinners for her family.

Calling hours will be Friday, March 31, from 4 to 7 pm, with a memorial service to follow at 7 pm at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike (Route 111), Monroe.

The family will have a private burial.