Beryl Margaret Allen (23 Apr 1937 - 22 Dec 2021)

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Location
Southend Crematorium 654 Sutton Road Southend on Sea SS2 5PX
Date
21st Jan 2022
Time
12pm
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In loving memory of Beryl Margaret Allen who sadly passed away on 22nd December 2021.
Beryl was born on St.George's Day, 23rd April, 1937, one of 3 daughters to Ernest Victor and Grace Anne Struebig. They grew up at 4 Southfield Drive, still an unmade road up until the 60s. Open fields surrounded the house on nearly all sides, and Mum's love of nature very possibly stems from this happy period, playing with her sisters both in, and out, of the brook.

On passing her 11+ mum gained a place in Westcliff High School for Girls, where she was described as 'keen' and 'good on the whole', and was made a form prefect.

On leaving school, she went to work for Micanite Insulators in Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow. She was a member of the Micanite Sports and Social club, and took part in organised events such as going to see shows in the West End. She continued to study however, attending Southend Municipal College where she obtained a certificate in chemistry.

After the death of their mother from cancer in 1955, sisters Joan and Beryl took upon their young shoulders the responsibility of managing the household. Joan would cook for Grandad, and Beryl would look after her 10 year old sister Janet.

With an HNC in chemistry, Beryl sought employment in the laboratory at Shell Oil in Corringham, and this is where she met David. The two shared many interests, including a love of science and nature, travel, music, and of the belief that education was the gateway to a life of endless possibilities. They were married in 1961.


The 60s saw the birth of their four sons in close succession, and there followed many happy years of family holidays in Wales, and big Christmases spent with sisters Joan and Janet and their families, the children all of similar age. Mum's inexhaustible enthusiasm and energy was contagious, and her resourcefulness in finding activities to keep us all occupied was formidable.

Beryl began teacher's training in September 1971, and began working at the Deanes School science department in 1974, quickly getting involved in all aspects of the daily running of the school, including pastoral care, and all manner of after-school and extra-curricular activities such as year 7 Summer camp, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, organising the skiing trip and the Christmas Fayre.

Mum retired at the end of the 90s, after more than 25 years service at the Deanes, and was very much missed by staff and students alike. Mum now devoted her time to being super-Grandma to her burgeoning army of grandchildren, and part-time work at the Citizen's Advice Bureau in Rochford.

In more recent years she has allowed herself to indulge in some personal pleasures such as watercolour painting, cooking and gardening, and, of course, as ever, her love of shopping.

Her passing, which came at such an unexpected time, has been a terrible shock to everyone. She will be greatly missed.

HARRY SNARY donated in memory of Beryl
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Diane and Russell Bacon donated £30 in memory of Beryl

Remembering the good times on holidays

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Paul Allen donated in memory of Beryl
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Maureen Harper donated £20 in memory of Beryl

Such a pleasure to have known you over the years, a great loss but never forgotten

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Janet Kendrick donated in memory of Beryl

Beryl - an inspirational lady. Fun to be around, caring, enthusiastic and energetic; a shining example to anyone lucky enough to have known her. It was a real privilege to be able to call her my friend. She was much loved and will be much missed.

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Elaine Huddlestone donated £40 in memory of Beryl

With love and many Happy memories

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Linda Brown donated £20 in memory of Beryl
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Pam Walston wrote

So glad to have been a part of your life Beryl. You will always be in my heart.

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Susan Sylvester lit a candle
Susan Sylvester wrote

Thinking of the family today.

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Emma Jolly lit a candle
Emma Jolly donated in memory of Beryl

My wonderful, amazing Aunt

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Celine Llewellyn-Jones wrote

I was a pupil of Mrs Allen's between 1985 and 1990 and remember her as an enthusiastic and kind teacher.

More specifically I have very fond memories of her from the Duke of Edinburgh awards. Being disabled I couldn't do the wayfaring/tracking element so as an alternative I navigated a route in a van, that she drove, to interesting (off the beaten track), churches around Danbury. I remember this being such a funny and exciting activity (and I did get my bronze badge!). She helped create memories that I treasure and think back to often.

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Janet O’Connor donated in memory of Beryl
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Jo Nagle donated £30 in memory of Beryl

Our childhood holidays and Christmases spent with Aunty Beryl, Uncle David and our cousins
were wonderful times. I have fond memories of Beryl - she was warm, kind and funny. Rest in
peace.

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Janet O’Connor lit a candle
Derek Pugh donated £20 in memory of Beryl

A wonderful lady, loved by all.

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Paul Allen posted a picture
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Svetlana Tomic donated £20 in memory of Beryl
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Svetlana Tomic wrote

I taught with Beryl at Deanes and remember her as a true professional & a lovely lady.
Beryl was kind, thoughtful & very caring both as a friend and to the students.
It was a privilege to have known Beryl.
She will undoubtedly be missed by all who knew her.

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Greg Edland donated in memory of Beryl
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Paul Allen posted a picture
September 2011

September 2011

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Paul Allen posted a picture
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  • I can't even imagine what this was, but I love it! Beryl the sensible one and David the clown! Love them both xx ❤

    Posted by Elaine on 21/01/2022 Report abuse
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Paul Allen posted a picture
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  • April 2017

    Posted by Paul on 20/01/2022 Report abuse
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Stephanie Elliott donated £10 in memory of Beryl
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Sheila Morgan donated in memory of Beryl
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Pam Skeet donated in memory of Beryl
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Carol D'Souza lit a candle
Sarah Sullivan donated £30 in memory of Beryl

I will always remember the wonderful childhood holidays and christmases we all shared together . Happy times and happy memories

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  • I would have liked to put some photos of those times on here, but they're all on slides or ciné. I shall get some scanned in the near future.

    Posted by Paul on 19/01/2022 Report abuse
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Marie Cush donated in memory of Beryl
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