Mary Ann Allen, 66, passed away peacefully at 2:35 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital following complications from COPD. Born on November 4, 1958, in Alton, she was the daughter of the late Jerome P. and JoAnn (DeGrand) Duffin.
Mary Ann was the beloved wife of her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Michael Allen, whom she married on August 24, 1985, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Alton. Their love story began at just 14 years old—love at first sight—and grew into a beautiful partnership that spanned over 50 years.
She was a devoted mother to Carrie Allen and a cherished grandmother to Carlie (Nick) Knepper. She also held the title of Aunt Mary dearly to Rachel Groesch-Phillips and Laura Allen. Her lifelong best friend, Kathy Bristow, was more like a sister, and their friendship was a constant source of joy.
Mary Ann spent over 40 years as a talented barber in the Edwardsville area, where her clients and co-workers became lifelong friends. She lived a life filled with family, friendship, and fun—she loved sunshine, boating, relaxing by the pool, and was known to enjoy a little gambling now and then – Wooooo Hoooo!!!! Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she made it magical for those she loved. Her daughter carries on that same holiday spirit, passing it down to her daughter, Carlie.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Paul, Mark, and Andrew Jude Duffin.
Mary Ann will always be remembered as our favorite "Brown-Eyed Girl."
Visitation will be held at Gent Funeral Home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the prayer service at 4:00 p.m. The funeral procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, from Gent Funeral Home to Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey, where a burial service will be held at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to Theresa’s Research Foundation @ https://theresasresearch.org/
Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
