ALBANY – On January 6th, her husband Joe called to the most beautiful girl he had ever seen that it was time for her to rejoin him. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Carolina Connors Allen was born in 1926 in Rensselaer and raised in Watervliet. She was the daughter of Francis W. Connors and Carolina Gombert Connors.
Carolina was 1944 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy and the College of St. Rose, undergraduate class of 1948 and Master’s class of 1965.
In addition to being predeceased by her husband Joseph Patrick Allen, she also was predeceased by her daughter Carolyn Allen Meltzer and sister Joan Connors Nash.
Carolina is survived by her brother Francis S. Connors and his wife Carol, her brother-in law Richard C. Allen and his wife Dianne, son-in law Evan Meltzer, her daughter Elizabeth Allen Wyld and John S. Wyld, Jr. of Albany; Joseph F. Allen and Marilou Welch Allen of Yarmouth Port MA; Michael P. Allen and Diane Fletcher Allen of Defreestville; Francis X. Allen and Elaine Mendel Allen of Albany; and Patrick W. Allen and Diane Farrell Allen of Wynantskill.
Carolina is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, Philip Meltzer and Cari; Caroline Meltzer Brody and Andrew; Elizabeth Wyld and Lynda Smith; John Wyld III and Victoria; Joseph Allen II and fiancée Krysta Kincaid; Kathleen Allen; Mary Allen and fiancé Matthew Boivin; Casey Allen; Michael Allen and Mary Baroch; Kristina Allen Koonz and Matthew; Kerry Allen and fiancé Kevin Lubarsky; Francis Allen Jr. and AJ; Andrea Allen; Katherine Allen Dugan and Kevin; and MC Allen.
She also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren – Victoria Smith-Wyld; Connor Meltzer; Molly Meltzer; Evelyn Brody; Oliver Brody; Levi Koonz; and twins Finn and Liam Dugan.
Carolina’s adventure began with a blind date and after a courtship she and Joe were married in September of 1949. The Allen Clan started to grow with the arrival of Lynn. It soon grew with the birth of Beth and Joe and Mike, the Irish twins. A few years later Francis joined the crew and Pat rounded out the family.
This happy band enjoyed camping at Thompson’s lake and summer vacations on Cape Cod, first at Pinewood Village and later on as part owners of Priscilla Cottages. Also, she and Papa Joe traveled to Ireland, Spain, Hawaii and Alaska. In addition to these adventures there were concerts, piano lessons, track meets, baseball and football games – and there was always the Bridge Club! Next came high school and college graduations, weddings, and a new round of additions to the Allen Clan – grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Through all these events, Carolina exuded grace, poise and always good humor. She simultaneously balanced those family obligations with a successful and rewarding professional career first at St. Teresa of Avila school and ultimately as a teacher and administrator with the City School District of Albany. In the Albany district she taught at Giffin Elementary and later she moved to the Academy Park administrative offices where she became responsible for the federal ESEA grant funds that provided significant educational enhancements for students throughout the district.
Carolina was also a longtime member and officer of the City Club of Albany serving on the Board of Directors, President of the Club, and Membership chair. During these times she developed close and lasting friendships. Carolina passed the torch of service to the Club over to her daughter Beth who has served as President and continues the family tradition as the Membership chair. During her tenure Carolina saw the membership of the Club grow and the provision of multiple grants to community not-for-profit groups and educational institutions such as the College of St. Rose, and Maria College. She was particularly happy to assist in the establishment of the Superintendent’s Fund for the Happiness of Children in honor of former Albany School Superintendent David Brown’s mother. This fund provides discretionary dollars to address emergency or special situations. The legacy will continue as Carolina’s granddaughter Lizzy is the current first vice-president and is in line to become the next President of the Club.
Carolina, the person who was known by her grace and elegance, was always beautifully coiffed and stylish. She was proud of every accomplishment of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. At her retirement party one speaker noted that she was the absolute definition of a lady. She loved her husband Joe and gave the entire family a great example of love and marriage. Their house was filled with laughter and fun where there would be an icy Manhattan and a cozy chair waiting for any and all who came to 464 Western Avenue.
Carolina will be missed by her friends too numerous to mention. A special thanks goes to Mary Ellen Drislane M.D. for her caring and compassion for Carolina throughout the years and particularly during this difficult time. Thanks also to Heather Lawson and Christina Chapin for their care and comfort.
Anyone wishing to honor Carolina may make a donation in her name to The College of St. Rose or The Multiple Myeloma Foundation.
Calling hours will be Monday, January 10 at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue in Albany from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St. in Albany, Tuesday, January 11, at 10:00 AM. Due to the current COVID situation please be aware that masks are required and that social distancing should be taken into account. To leave a message of condolence for the family or get directions to the funeral home, please visit HansFuneralHome.com .
Catherine Rego
To the entire Allen family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love Ron and Cathy Rego
Roxanne Nichols
I’m so saddened to hear about your precious Carolina. She was such an inspiration to me in so many ways… far too too many to count. I enjoyed getting to know her and many of you as well. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life and never got tired of all the stories she’d share about her loving family. I especially enjoyed when she would talk about when she and Papa Joe. Then the pandemic changed things so much and it meant our visits would end. But it feels like yesterday we were chatting in the family room. Sometimes we talked longer than I would clean or cook! I’d be running around like crazy catching up. I still have a voicemail on my phone she left for me a couple years ago. So tonight, with a Manhattan in my hand and tears in my eyes, I’ll listen to her voice and her kind words. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God bless.
Nancy Travers
May her memory be a blessing and sooth the hearts of her loved ones!
Christine Ford
I was saddened by the passing of Carolina. I have beautiful memories of Carolina and Joe socializing with my parents.
Carolina was always well dressed, attentive, witty and considerate. I am grateful I knew her. Wishing Carolina and the Allen family peace during this difficult time.
Mary Mastrianni Cullinan
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Carolina was such a dear friend to my mother, Joan Mastrianni Doyle. Mom knew Carolina as the mother of several children who were classmates of our family at VI. They bonded much later in life at bridge club with Mrs. Amodeo and Mrs. Breedlove, Mom loved when the Allen’s lived near her on Lenox and enjoyed visiting both Carolina and Joe and bringing them Communion. Our family admired how devoted your family was to both of your parents. My Mom will be so very sorry to hear that Carolina has passed. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Sending you all my sincere condolences and prayers. May she be reunited with Joe, and Rest In Peace.
Marna Atkin
To the Wyld Family, please accept my condolences on the loss of your elegant mother and grandmother. I remember meeting her several times and she was as nice as she was beautiful.
Love, Marna (Atkin)
Jackie Bogardus
Dear Beth, John, and Family,
The beautiful photo captured my eye, and the opening line of the obituary struck my heart. I continued to read and found this beautiful woman is your mother, Beth. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. May your loving memories sustain you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jackie Bevis Bogardus
Joe Cunningham
Allen family,
I was sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Jean Nagengast
Dear Allen Family,
“Death is as profound an adventure as life” — your mom lived a beautiful, full life filled w joy and love and I am sure alot of adventures – may her eternal life be as wonderful.
With sincere sympathy, Mary jean Nagengast
Kathy Kieffer (President - Capital District CSR Alumni)
Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to all the family on your tremendous loss. Carolina was a longtime member of our Capital District St. Rose Alumni Chapter. She was a consistent supporter of our scholarship fund and that generosity has helped countless students through the years. Her devotion and dedication as a teacher and later as a school administrator are to be commended. Her life reflected her caring nature. Rest in Peace Carolina.
Scott and Kathy Bearup Baker
Beth, Joe, Mike, Francis, Patrick, Evan, Philip, and Caroline,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Carolina, but I know she lived a long, happy and love filled life. I always felt so much warmth and welcome in the Allen home. Carolina was always a gracious lady, and I know how much her very extended family will miss her. I believe she is now watching you all, along with Joe and Lynn with whom she is now rejoined.
Kathy Ryan Murray
Beth and John, Your Mom was a very special person to me. I so admired her intelligence, poise and grace. I wish that we could be there for the services.
Our many condolences to the entire family.
With much love,
Kathy Ryan Murray
Meg Reilly
Carolina was a towering presence, uplifting all who knew her. What a cornerstone of my young life she was. Her family is her reflection. It was my privilege to be included under her loving wings.
My heart goes out to all of Carolina’s family.
Jean Tom Doyle
Joe, Beth and Mike, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was a very special lady and oh what a warm smile she had. Keep those wonderful memories in your heart.
Jean and Tom Doyle
Liz and Allen Schembri
What a remarkable person who lived a long and fulfilling life! May memories of Carolina continue to inspire all to live each day with grace, generosity, and love. May she rest in eternal peace with Papa Joe and dear Lynn.
Love to you all,
Liz and Allen
Lynn Derry
Dear Joe, Mike, and Beth,
What a wonderful and beautiful life your mother lived! It was a privilege to know her and your family. My sincere condolences to you all at this very sad time. May memories of her in your hearts and spirits bring you some comfort.
Kindest Regards,
Lynn Derry
Susan Fleszar
To the Wyld family. Mark and I are sending our sympathy your way. Carolina was a sweet person that left a lasting impression on all of us at the lake. She was always kind and friendly. She will be missed.
Jane Bonavita
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Allen family on the passing of your beautiful,
loving mother. She and your father would drive me to Giffen School where we taught together. The house on Western Ave was always bustling with all the children hurrying out the door forgetting lunches , homework papers , hats and scarfs flying . But they both handled it with a smile and hugs for all! You were blest with wonderful parents and great memories.