Betty L. Allen "Betty Lou"

Betty L. Allen nee Presbitero.

Beloved wife of the late Gerald J. Allen.

Loving mother of Jerry (Cindi) Allen, Marty (Linda) Allen, Joe (Sue) Allen & the late Matt (Denise) Allen.

Cherished grandmother & great grandmother of many.

Dear sister of Margo (Ira) Bey & the late Ronald (Geri) Presbitero.

Fond aunt of many nieces & nephews.

Funeral Monday 9:00 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn to Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave. in Chicago for Mass at 10:00 am.

Interment St. Mary Cemetery.

Visitation Sunday  from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Elizabeth Louise Allen, lovingly known as “Betty Lou”, was called to rest on April 19, 2022. Betty was born in Chicago on January 8, 1936 to Aldo and Mary Jane Presbitero. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Allen (son of Al and Helen Allen), son Matthew (Denise) Allen, brother Ronald Presbitero (Geraldine) and daughter-in-law Debbie Allen. She is survived by sons Gerald (Cindi) Allen Jr., Martin (Linda) Allen, and Joseph (Sue) Allen, and sister Margo (Ira) Bey. Betty cherished her grandchildren Katie (Kevin) Keeley, Daniel, Danielle, Nicole, Samantha, Cassidy, Thomas, Charles, Imogene, Gabriela and Amelia. Most recently, Betty was blessed with great grandchildren, Blake and Cameron.

Betty and Jerry raised their four boys in Oak Lawn, IL as members of St. Gerald’s parish. Together they founded J. Allen & Sons Masonry and were very active in the community. Whether it was St. Gerald’s or Westside Baseball of Oak Lawn, Betty enjoyed volunteering her time and was proud of what she and her peers accomplished. Later in life, she was a devoted member of Dominick’s Finer Foods, working until she was 79. Betty was direct, gritty and strong when necessary but more often thoughtful, caring and compassionate supporting her loved ones. After Jerry passed in 1990, Betty fully embraced her role as matriarch and dedicated her life to her boys and their families. She was a constant presence and always available to provide a helping hand. Betty’s grandchildren were her passion, often taking them for overnights, giving them fantastic gifts, and attending all of their events.  She was so very proud of them. She showered them with love, and they loved her fiercely in return. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her family and friends. She will be missed by all those she touched. Our matriarch, Betty Lou, is now watching over all of us.