Obituary of Janice Eloise Allen

Janice Eloise Allen, 88, of Mountain View Drive, Willsboro, passed away peacefully on Friday August 26, 2022, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake with her loving family by her side. She was born in Plattsburgh on September 3, 1933, the daughter of Laurence and Calla (Stafford) Calkins. Janice graduated from Willsboro Central School and Canton ATI. After college she married Ross Allen in 1955. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. After raising her children, her first job was as a teacher’s aide at the Willsboro Central School. Janice was incredibly involved in her community. She was the librarian at the Paine Memorial Library where she flourished for over 30 years. She was instrumental in starting the children’s story hour where numerous preschoolers acquired a lifetime learning experience from an early age. She was also a liaison to the school for library books/resources and organized the craft fair. She loved her crafts especially for the church sale and at Christmas for family and friends. She was very devoted to her faith and was a cornerstone to the Willsboro United Methodist Church in all aspects. She was active in the following activities: vacation bible school, church dinners, Sunday school and as a lay leader. She was always there to help someone in need. Janice volunteered at the Willsboro Visitor Center and High Peaks Hospice. She was a member of the historical society, Willsboro Alumni Association, and New Beginnings Group along with serving as town historian and writing a weekly news column for the Valley News. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sheila Vanags (David Gload) Keeseville, NY, Cindy Flanagan (Tom) Saratoga, NY, Jim Allen (Deb) Clifton Park, NY, Larry Allen Willsboro; grandchildren, Angela Barnaby (Kevin), Joseph Vanags (Meghan), Christie Cronin (Tim), Amanda Flanagan, Sarah (Justin), Kelsey (Stephanie), and Corey Allen; great-grandchildren, Meredith, Max, and Parker Barnaby, Lorelei, Autumn, and McKenzie Vanags; sister Paula Calkins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Ross Allen. A Christian service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 6, 2022, at the United Methodist Church, Willsboro. Following this service, the public is invited to a Celebration of Life and fellowship which will be held at noon in the UMC reception hall for all to share stories and greet the family. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Janice’s family request that in memory of her, please conduct a loving act of kindness. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.