Dolores Allen

Dolores Rothbard Allen, 81, of Westfield died Jan. 9, 2016. She was born in New York City and had also lived in South Plainfield. She had a summer home in Hyannis, Mass.

Mrs. Allen retired from teaching kindergarten at South Plainfield Public Schools in 1996 after teaching for 32 years. During her tenure, she was awarded Teacher of the Year for her curriculum design and implementation, which helped young immigrant children learn English. 

She earned her BS in psychology from Brooklyn College and certification as an early childhood educator from Kean College. She was a member of Pratt House, Phi Beta Kappa, and Psi Chi. 

She was an active congregant and member of the sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains. For many years, she organized donorship drives for Deborah Hospital Foundation. 

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She enjoyed books, theater and the arts, and knitting. After her retirement, she worked part-time as an usher at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, and was an active member and participant with the Playwrights’ Workshop of Union.

Predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Martin, in 2012, she is survived by two daughters, Michelle Eden of Long Valley and Robyn (Brian) Hennigan of Cape Cod, Mass.; and three grandchildren. 

Private services were held with arrangements by J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels of Maplewood; a memorial service will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Center.