She was born in Yarmouth, Maine, on Aug. 27, 1919, to William Tracy Burgess and Flora Belle Mason Burgess, she grew up on her parents’ farm in Cedar Grove, Woolwich, she walked four miles a day to Bridge Academy grade school in Dresden, and finished the 10th grade at Morse High School, Bath. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Robert D. Allen Sr. on Dec. 2, 1944.
She worked at the Hyde Windless in Bath, during World War II, Sears Roebuck, Bath, until the birth of her daughter Nancy Jean in 1948 when she decided to become a homemaker. Anna loved animals, we had cows, sheep, pet rabbits, and raised many chickens over the years, according to her daughter. In 1952, after her son Robert D. Jr. was born, she started working as a waitress at the Gateway, in Woolwich, then went to work as a waitress at New Meadows Inn, West Bath, for many years, finally moving to being a baker at that location.
She also worked for Aurbach Shoe for a period of time, and at Yankee Lanes in Brunswick, in the restaurant, as cook and waitress. She retired in 1980 and became a homemaker again, until her husband’s death on May 6, 2010.
She was a member of the Woolwich PTA while her children were young, and involved in her children’s activities. She also enjoyed doting on her grandchildren watching them grow up and attending many of their events. She was also a member of the former Queen Esther Rebekah Lodge, Bath, where she held many positions including Treasurer, Vice Grand and Noble Grand. She was also a member of the former Ladies Nobleboro Extension, Nobleboro.
Anna is predeceased by her husband, Robert in 2010, an older sister Harriet Burgess Davis in 1974 and by her younger brother Frederick L. Burgess in 1999, all of Woolwich.
She is survived by her son Robert D. Allen Jr. of Brunswick, Maine, her daughter Nancy J. Allen Truhel and husband (Carl) of Nobleboro, Maine, her granddaughter Sarah Truhel Saucier and husband (William) of Waldoboro, Maine, grandson Jeremy C. Truhel and wife Wendy Looker Truhel of Kernersville, NC, great-granddaughters, Madeleine E. Truhel, and Mina C. Truhel of Kernersville, NC, and Zofia L. Saucier of Waldoboro, Maine. She is also survived by a cousin, Richard Beote of Kennebunkport, Maine; an ex-brother in-law Clinton E. Davis of Woolwich and several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and families.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the animal shelter of your choice, CHANS Hospice, or Catholic Charities.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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