1921 – 2015

NORTH JAY — Myrtle L. “Nana” Allen, 93, a resident of North Jay for 80 years, went to be with the love of her life, Charlie, on Tuesday, June 23, with her family at her bedside.

Myrtle was born in Rangeley on Aug. 28, 1921, a daughter of John and Doris (Ross) Smith. She attended school in Wilton, and lived in North Jay, where she gave birth and raised five children with her husband. While the children were growing up, they brought them into the woods to work alongside her and Charlie. They were married 78 years.

Myrtle, known to many as “Nana,” worked at Norwalk Shoe for many years until its closing. After Charlie’s passing in 1998, she became a homemaker, baking apple pies, rhubarb crunch and pumpkin cookies for her family. She loved to prepare for the holidays and her annual Christmas Eve open house, which at times would be attended by more than 50 family members. She looked forward to having firewood delivered so she could help her family pile it. Myrtle loved her wood heat, including last winter! She enjoyed watching the neighborhood, visits from her family and just being in her home. “Nana” has left a huge void in our family and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her children, Charlie Allen Jr. and his wife, Bernice, of Jay, Bob Allen and his wife, Mary, of Dixfield, Gene Allen and his wife, Ann, of Jay, Patty Ferland and her companion, Larry Danforth, of Wilton, and Juanita Crafts and her husband, Charlie, of Livermore; brothers, Everett Smith and his wife, Joyce, of Jay, Maurice Smith and his wife, Julie, of Jay; and a sister, Beverly Cox and her husband, Bill, of Jay. She was proud and loved each of her 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie; brothers, Arnold, Phillip, and Jack Smith; a sister, Inza Stanley; sisters-in-law, Joanne and Tina Smith; and great-grandsons, Bryan and Lance Allen.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wilesrc.com.