Pauline L. Allen
10/29/1931 ~ 3/4/2021
Pauline Lucille (Rafala) Allen, 89, of Rocky Hill, a member of CTSS & beloved wife of CTSS founder & Chairman, Charles Allen, peacefully passed away on March 4, 2021.
Pauline was born in CT to the late Luigi and Concetta (DiMauro) Rafala. Pauline was one of 10 children. While working in her parents’ grocery store on Front Street, she met Charlie. They were married for 70 years and raised 7 children together. She felt her greatest gift in life was to be a loving mom. Pauline was a devoted and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was always open for friends and family to stop by for coffee and a homemade dessert. She was a good listener and offered sound advice as well as encouragement. Pauline loved cooking Italian meals and baking desserts to share with loved ones. She always set an extra plate at the table just in case someone dropped in. (And someone always did.) “The more the merrier,” was one of her favorite mottos. When people asked her how she balanced the demands of a large family she would say, “Through the Grace of God.”
Pauline appreciated time with her 9 siblings and their families; picnics at Mill Woods Pond, backyard BBQ’s and Sunday visits. She enjoyed life to the fullest! She valued education, hard work, and encouraged everyone to follow their dreams. Pauline loved people and brought out the best in everyone. She would often say, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Her interests included ballroom dancing, trips to the beach, swimming, reading, writing poetry, entertaining and being a homemaker. She showered her grandchildren with affection and attention. She read books, told stories, played board games, sang songs and danced. Visits always included Grandma’s home cooking. Pauline was a devout Roman Catholic and she loved Jesus. She was active in many ministries at St James Church; Catechism Instructor for 18 years, Lector, and President of the St. James Women’s Club. Pauline lived her life based on faith, hope, and charity. She was a feature story writer for the Rocky Hill Post, owner of Century Florist and Gift Shop, recreational director at Elm Hill Convalescent Home and a realtor. Active in her community, she served as Rocky Hill Human Rights Commissioner and Councilwoman for 2 terms. Pauline never hesitated to contact her legislators or the governor with a concern or idea.
She was a member of the PTA, President of the Greater Htfd. Business & Professional Women and President of the Greater Htfd. Chapter Toastmistress Club. Pauline is survived by her husband, Charles E. Allen Sr., her 7 children: Dave (& Anne) Allen, Gary Sr. (& Gloria) Allen, Kathleen Allen (& fiancé Norman Turgeon) Paulla (& Stephen) Bogue, Claudia (& Ed) Kefor, Constance (& Paul) Rotondo, Charlie Jr. Allen, and grandchildren: Gary Jr. (& Kim) Allen, Zachary (& Dzseni) Locke, Ashleigh (& Joe) Vella, Olivia Allen; Stephanie and Caroline Bogue; Camille, Mahlee, Audrey Kefor and great-grandson Garrett Allen; her sister Millie Failla; her brothers, Joseph Rafala, Louis (& Phyllis) Rafala Jr., her brother-in-law Regis Cassidy; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pauline was predeceased by her siblings; Carl Rafala, Mary Lastrina, Rose Sapia, Josephine Curcio, Angelina Anderson, and Jeannette Cassidy, cousins, many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Apple Rehab and Beacon Hospice for their love, compassion and care. Pauline inspired everyone to; be kind, forgive and take care of each other. She often said, “The best is yet to come.” Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral service was held privately. Please share expressions of sympathy, memories and photo tributes at www.brooklawnfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pauline’s memory to: The CT Society of Santas, PO Box 541, Bethlehem, CT 06751.
