Mary Elizabeth Allin

With deep sadness we announce the passing of our mom, Mary Allin. Mom died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on November 12, 2022, at her home in Wichita, KS. She was 90 years young. Mom was born on August 22, 1932, in Kansas City, MO to Rena and John Elm. She graduated from St. Theresa's Academy in 1949. On October 27, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, George Allin and celebrated 65 years together. Mom and Dad were role models of faith, love, and perseverance in marriage. They raised five children and were blessed with thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. They began their married life in California while Dad was stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station. They returned to Kansas City after Navy life with a growing family and became active members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where Mom's passion for singing was channeled through the choir. Our family moved to Wichita in 1968 and joined the newly founded St. Thomas Aquinas Church where Mom started and directed the choir for many years. She also began a long career in banking starting as a part-time teller and eventually becoming the manager of the Bank of America branch at McConnell Air Force Base. She was awarded special recognition for her extraordinary response and leadership after the 1991 tornado hit McConnell. Aside from her family, music was her passion with an appetite ranging from Requiems to Gershwin musicals to jazz, Sinatra, Presley, Willie Nelson, country music and much more. Her beautiful soprano voice graced many family weddings, funerals and holiday services. You could count on Mom and Dad to be the first on the dance floor and the last to leave at any family wedding or church event. Mom was also a tireless advocate and active volunteer for several organizations throughout her life, most notably the ARC, to promote the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was always willing to help and serve. Granny, as the kids would call her, flourished in retirement where she was able to dote more on her grands and great-grands. She could always be found in the audience of a recital, sideline of a game, or at milestone celebrations - of which there were many. Her home was the site of countless holidays, birthdays, Chiefs games and family dinners. Mom is survived by her 3 sons, George James Allin, Jr. “Hank”, Tim and Kathy Allin, Dennis and Megan Allin; and 2 daughters, Sarah and Mike Hattrup, Deniece and Tim Stephens; 13 grandchildren, Rachel Pearson (Guy), Beth Allin (Ian Rubinoff), Michael Hattrup (Kalli), Matt Allin, Stephanie Warren (Phil), Griff Allin, John Hattrup (Cara), Chris Allin, Samantha Barnes (Jon), Katie Durbin (Jason), Carly Keefer (Corey), Jenny Sylvester (Nick), Jack Stephens; and 17 great-grandchildren, Ella and Camden Pearson; Mack and Henry Hattrup; William, Luke, Thomas and Jude Warren; Carter, Maddox, and Leo Hattrup; Archer, Layla and Daphne Barnes; Cecilia, Eddie and Luke Durbin. Also survived by her adopted family, John and Glenda Hastings and family; her best friend and 'sister' Yaeko Uchida; Fabiola, Lou, Bianca and Barbara DaSilva; and Andy, Catherine, Gabby and Alex Do. Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Rena and John Elm; sisters Deniece Elm and Arlene Elm; and her beloved husband George. Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 pm Sunday, November 20, and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am Monday, November 21. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery. Viewing will be available on Saturday, November 19, from 3-8 pm at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East with family present from 4-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask you consider a donation to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, KS 67206 or The Good Samaritan Program, c/o Aberdeen Village, 17500 W 119th St, Olathe, KS 66061.