Dorothy "Dee" Allen

Dorothy “Dee” Allen was born on February 27, 1952, in Chicago, IL, to Lillian and Casmir Lesnewski. She grew up with her siblings, Barbara Barton, Chuck Lesnewski, and Donna Ragalie in Elmwood Park, IL where her childhood was filled with warmth and laughter. 

 Fate took a beautiful turn when Dee met her future husband, Pat Allen, at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY. In 1973, they tied the knot, embarking on an adventure that would take them across the Midwest. Together, they called Chicago, IL, Henderson, KY, Louisville, KY, and Dallas, TX home, creating cherished memories at every stop.

 In 1981, their family found roots in Portland, TX, where Dee embraced her role as a devoted mother to her three children. It was here that she became affectionately known as the "Blind Lady," earning a reputation for her exceptional service and expertise in selling and installing window coverings across the Coastal Bend region for nearly two decades.

 Dee's passion for making a meaningful impact in the world led her to pursue a calling in teaching. She returned to college, completing her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Armed with knowledge and a heart filled with compassion, Dee dedicated the next 18 years of her life to teaching at W.C. Andrews Elementary and Gregory-Portland Intermediate Schools.

 In the classroom, Dee was a radiant beacon of inspiration, igniting the spark of curiosity in the hearts of hundreds of young minds. Her dedication to her students extended beyond the school’s boundaries as she tirelessly supported their growth and celebrated their achievements. Dee's legacy as an educator will forever be etched in the memories of those she encountered.

 In 2014, health challenges led Dee to retire from teaching, yet her spirit remained unyielding. She relocated to Missouri City, TX, near her beloved children and grandchildren. Despite facing adversity in health, Dee's unwavering love for her family shone through, creating an atmosphere of joy and happiness within her household. Dee’s love and devotion for her children and grandchildren were unceasing. 

 After battling a rare autoimmune disease, scleroderma, for over 15 years, Dee passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, surrounded by her children. Dee is survived by her children, Jennifer (Wade) Wallace, Tiffany Castro, and Casey (Emily) Allen, and grandchildren Andrew, Ryan, Ben and Nick Wallace and Max, Hannah, Molly and Nora Allen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Casmir Lesnewski, husband Pat Allen, and son-in-law Tim Castro. 

 Dee's infectious enthusiasm for life was contagious. She embraced each day with an open heart, finding beauty in the simplest moments. Her love of family, her unwavering faith, and her zest for adventure left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

 Although Dee's physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. The memories of her kindness, wisdom, and resilient spirit will be a constant source of inspiration for generations to come.

 Memorial Service will be held at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland, Texas at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 18, 2024 with interment to follow at 11:30 a.m. at The Palms Memorial Gardens.

 In Dee’s honor, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation (srfcure.org).