Diane Cole Allen passed from this realm on Nov. 2, in Boston, after a brief illness.
Born on Nov. 26, 1942, at the Richardson House in Boston to Charles S. Cole and Ann C. Bean of Winchester, Diane attended the McDuffie School for Girls in Granby. Her lifelong love of the water and sailing drew her to Marblehead, where she spent most of her life.
In the winters, she would sail through frostbitten fingers. She worked at Graves Yacht Yard and Hood Sails and she became a talented cook aboard sailboats.
Diane met her husband, Ted, and together they left Marblehead briefly for Trumbull, Connecticut, where she worked at Black & Decker. Her love of Marblehead drew her and Ted back home. She then went on to work at Marblehead Lobster while also devoting herself to her garden and the birds, always making sure they had fresh access to water.
Diane was a tireless advocate for animals: she rescued and cared for many dogs and cats, while also keeping a watchful eye for dogs left tied up outside bars and never hesitating to step inside and scold their owners. Her kindness equally extended to her fellow Marbleheaders, helping those in need with groceries and errands until the very end.
Diane was a loving wife and mother, a thoughtful aunt and a kind friend. Saturday evening family dinners were always a special time and her culinary skills, especially with seafood, were unmatched.
Diane is survived by her husband, Theodore F. Allen, and her daughter, Susan Gamage, both of Marblehead, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made at your local animal shelter in memory of Diane.
