Barbara Norris Allen passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 3, 2023, with her loving husband and friends surrounding her. Barbara was a valiant warrior in her seven-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Barb was born on Aug. 6, 1950, in St. Johnsbury, VT to John and Frances Knight Norris of Lyndonville, VT.  She later moved to Bridgeville where she graduated from high school. She was a graduate of Salisbury University with a BS and started toward her Masters degree in Education and later taught in the Woodbridge School District until her marriage to Charles C. Allen III.

Barbara was a woman of many talents and always had a keen and penetrating sense of humor.  She was the chairperson of the committee to build the Seaford District Library and also worked on the Heart Ball. Barbara was a member of PEO, Chapter J and served as state president. She was a past board member of Seaford Golf and Country Club and a patron of the Seaford Historical Society. She loved reading and was a member of the Bacon, Books and Babble Book Club.

She loved traveling and saw many parts of the world.  Many of these trips were in support of her husband’s involvement and leadership in the poultry industry. From 2002 – 2014 Barbara was the president of Dairy Association Co., makers of Bag Balm, in Lyndonville, VT. The company was founded by her grandfather in 1899. Barbara had a deep commitment to philanthropy and was very sensitive to community needs in Seaford, St. Johnsbury and the Lyndonville area of Vermont.

Barbara enjoyed time at their home on Lake Willoughby in Vermont, enjoying the different seasons, but she most enjoyed her role of “Gram” to their four grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Charles C. Allen III (Chick) and sons Chad, wife Jami and their daughters Emily and Kelsey; Michael, wife Emily and their children Dalton and Emmy Ros; and so many dear friends.

A deep level of appreciation goes to the doctors, nurses and staff at TidalHealth Nanticoke and to VITAS Healthcare for the loving and professional care she received during her difficult journey.

Services were held on Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Johns UMC in Seaford. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to VITAS Healthcare, 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 202, Millsboro, DE 19966.

 To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.