Wellsville, NY – Joanne Allen was a long-time Wellsville community member. Generations of Wellsville residents remember Allen, as she was employed as a secretary for the Wellsville Central School District for 40 years, retiring in 2005. She was a wonderful, strong and passionate woman who impacted many people — and her community — for the better. In May of 2020, she passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy.
As just a small part of her legacy, Allen was a supporter of and donor to The Fassett GreenSpace Garden Project in Wellsville. To memorialize her impact in the community, members of the garden group are dedicating an elderflower tree to Joanne Allen at the Fassett GreenSpace, located at 55 North Main Street in the Village of Wellsville. The ceremony and tree planting will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 2-3pm.
In her retirement, Joanne was a census taker for the U.S. Census Bureau, and an active woman who was a member of many organizations. These include the Wellsville First United Methodist Church, Allegany County Democratic Committee, Alfred State Alumni Association, Allegany Arts Association, Concerned Citizens of Allegany County, and the Allegany County Historical Society.
All members of the public are invited to this outdoor event. Anyone who knew Joanne from the school community to her church congregation to her non profit activism is strongly encouraged to attend. There will be a circle of sharing memories, stories, and impacts from Allen’s life. Long-time resident, artisan, and close friend to Allen, Elaine Hardman, is making a plaque in her honor. Please contact Cassandra Bull, President of Art for Rural America, at 518-937-3234 or ArtforRuralAmerica@gmail.com with any questions.
