Family in mourning over loss of beloved and highly-respected local woman and her husband

The family of cherished and highly-respected local woman Jennifer Allen has announced that she was "tragically taken from us, along with her loving husband, George Mummery, in their beloved home in St.Catharines." She was in her 59th year.

"This beautiful woman," they said in her obituary, was born and raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and attended Niagara District Secondary School, where both her parents were teachers.

Jennifer was a graduate of Queen’s University in Kingston, where she also earned a teaching degree. She spent her first year of teaching in El Salvador where her family said “she cultivated a love for both the Spanish language and the culture of Central America." 

She went on to teach English and drama for the Lincoln County Board of Education (now the DSBN) before retiring two years ago from her work in English as a second language (ESL) at St. Catharines Collegiate. 

“Her gorgeous smile lit up any room she graced, and staff and students adored her,” said her family. “A true friend and confidante to many, Jennifer surrounded herself with her favourite pastimes of dog walks, tennis, yoga, dinner parties and trips to Mexico and surrounding countries.”

With a natural flair for the dramatic, she was known for her story-telling abilities. The home Jen shared with George was the site of many memorable gatherings, both indoors and in the backyard around a burning fire. She and George were always the life of the party, the family wrote in the obituary. 

“She touched the hearts and minds of many people through her teaching, leadership and conversation,” her family said. At her retirement party two years ago many former students showed up to wish her well. Some evern brought their own children to ensure they had a chance to meet their favourite teacher.  

Jennifer was enjoying her early retirement years and had a busy schedule. She played tennis regularly at White Oaks and was on the board of the St. Catharines Tennis Alliance as one of the founding members. Their home brought both Jennifer and George great joy and they were constantly working on improving and upgrading it with their own hands.  

Jennifer is survived by her beloved mother, Susan Allen, sister Roberta Harper (Bruce),  half-sister Lisz Keallen (Brock May), her stepsons and her beautiful dog, Jackson. She was predeceased by her darling father William Allen. Jen was a loving aunt to nephews Jacob, Calvin, Levi and Malcolm Harper and will be fondly remembered and loved by many cousins. 

A private interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Thorold where she will be put to rest alongside her father. Her friends and family are invited to gather at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club on Friday June 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. for a celebration of her life. To read the full obituary, click here.