Van Mary (Vancura) Allen
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5B - February 10, 2011
Van was born Mary Ancilla
Vancura in Fessenden, ND to
Marcella Morgan and Edward
Vancura. She was the only
daughter of four children and enjoyed
her small town life. After
high school, she attended Nurses
Training at St. Mary's in Minneapolis,
MN. It was there she met
her husband of 62 years, Bart
Davison Allen. They were married July 26, 1948. After their wedding,
they began their life in the Air Force. Van loved being a military
wife. She enjoyed moving and making new friends wherever
they were. She has maintained many wonderful friendships with
people all over the country.
Van is survived by her husband, Bart; her four children, Chris Mc-
Gee (John), Cathy Funderburk (Bob), Mike Allen (Francie), Jeff
Allen (Terry); 14 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her
brother, Larry Vancura (Peg), and more loving friends than we can
possibly name.
Van was active in her church; she and Bart taught numerous marriage
classes and Bible studies in their home. She had a long nursing
career, often caring for the elderly. She and Bart attended the
first volunteer class Hospice held more than 15 years ago and she
remained an active volunteer since that time. Van regularly took
blood pressures at clinics for senior citizens. She was an avid bridge
player, and a staunch Broncos and Rockies fan. No matter how
poorly her teams did, she watched and supported them. She and Bart
traveled the world together on many trips.
More than anything, Van loved her family. She enjoyed family
camping and fishing trips, or any excuse to get together. She was her
grandchildren's greatest fan, attending and supporting as many activities
as possible.
Van was tenderly cared for in the Hospice Care Center in Grand
Junction and died peacefully on February 7th, 2011 after a short illness.
She was surrounded by her husband and family. Her final days
were precious and will be treasured memories as Van said her
good-byes to each family member. She was a much loved wife,
mother, sister, and friend. We will miss her dearly and will carry her
love and memory in our hearts forever.
A memorial Mass for Van will be held on Friday, February 11 at
2:00 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction,
where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life. She
will be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care
of Western Colorado, 3090 B North 12th St., Grand Junction, CO
81506.
