Ohio University mourns loss of dedicated alumna
Marilyn Allen, BSED ’58, is seen the weekend of her birthday in 2012 during a trip to Boston. Photo courtesy of Margaret Allen
Marilyn Allen, BSED ’58, a dedicated Bobcat educator, passed away the morning of Feb. 6 with family at her side. She was 82.
After graduating from OHIO, Allen went on to enjoy a nearly 40-year career in Columbus Public Schools, teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and reading. Both during and after her career, she participated in and helped lead the Columbus Education Association, the Ohio Education Association and the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, among others.
Her passion for education extended to her alma mater. Allen’s friendly face and famously decorated Volkswagen Beetle were common sights both on the Athens campus and at Central Ohio Alumni Chapter events throughout her decades of service to OHIO.
Allen was also a longtime supporter of The Patton College and a member of its Dean’s Circle of Engagement. As a retired teacher, her generosity included mentoring future teachers studying in The Patton College and her involvement with the National Education Association.
Marilyn Allen, BSED ’58, is pictured with her 2009 Volkswagen “Lady” Bug at OHIO’s 2018 On The Green Weekend, during which she was presented the Konneker Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedication to promoting Ohio University. Photo by Ellee Achten, BSJ ’14, MA ’17
“My fondest memories of Marilyn were of her walking through the doors of The Patton College on an almost weekly basis to meet with our students, no matter how she was feeling,” said Patton College Dean Renée A. Middleton. “It lifted our hearts to see her beloved VW Beetle in the McCracken parking lot.”
The OHIO Alumni Association awarded Allen the Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and the Konneker Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018.
“I think everyone admired her Bobcat spirit. It wasn’t deterred by anything,” recalled Ryan Boyd, the Association’s assistant director for external relations. “I remember once or twice that she battled pouring rain and windy conditions just to visit campus at over 80 years old.”
Allen’s daughter, Margaret Allen, said she saw her mother’s love of OHIO manifest in so many ways, from frequent trips to Athens to her mother’s home office, which “was completely decorated in OU items, art, and was white with green accents.”
Margaret Allen said she finds comfort in the fact that Marilyn Allen’s gifts to education at OHIO will continue even after her passing.
“In a decision that seems perfect for someone who dedicated her life to education, long ago she chose to donate her body to the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, so that others could learn from her even after she was no longer here with us on Earth,” Margaret Allen said.“At this moment, she is, as she dearly loved to be, on her way to Athens.”
A celebration of Marilyn Allen’s life will be held on March 23 at 11 a.m. at the First Community Church – South Campus at 1320 Cambridge Blvd. in Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, Marilyn Allen’s family would like those interested to consider a donation to the I Know I Can Program or to the Marilyn Allen Memorial Scholarship, which is being established for undergraduate students in The Patton College of Education at OHIO. To support this scholarship, please contact Tim Binegar at binegart@ohio.edu.