Obituaries

Obituary: Allene Robinson Small, of Orange

She loved her family and the holidays, and was a dedicated teacher for more than 40 years.

Allene Robinson Small, of Orange, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Aug. 22, 2013. 

She was the wife of the late Odie Small, and beloved mother of Charles Small, of Bethany, Richard Small and his wife Pat, of Orange, and Scott Small and his wife Diane, of North Branford, and sister of Jack Robinson, of Pennsylvania.

Allene was blessed with eight grandchildren: Erik (Sarah) Small, Jason (Anna-Maria) Small, Scott Small, Jennifer (Sean) McCulloch, Tiffany (Adam) Arsenault, Stephanie (Dean) Alderman, Christopher (Maria) Small and Sharon Small; and 13 great-grandchildren: Luna, Carter, Noelle, Eliza, Liam, Harlen, Silas, Scarlet, Oakleigh, Cooper, Mason, Quentin and Topher.

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Allene also leaves her longtime friend, companion and love Ed Connolly, who is greatly appreciated by her family for always taking such good care of her. 

Allene was born on Oct. 1, 1928, attending Garfield High School (Ohio), Akron University and Southern Connecticut State University, earning two master’s degrees in education. She enjoyed her job at Martin Luther King Jr. School in New Haven, where she taught for more than 40 years. 

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She loved her family and the holidays, always making themed treats for everyone to enjoy. Christmas was an extra special time of year as the entire family gathered at her house. A few weeks ago, we were all able to enjoy one last "Christmas" together.  

Allene loved to travel, visiting six of the seven continents throughout her journeys. While her travels took her all over the world, two of her favorite places were close to home. During the warmer months, she enjoyed cocktails and sunsets over the water from the deck at her place on the Cape, while in the winter, she skied — taking her last run at 78 years old — on Mount Snow in Vermont.

In addition to her late husband, Allene was predeceased by her mother Mabel D. Robinson, her father Clarence W. Robinson and her sister Suella R. Prentice. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 2013 Closer to Free Ride for Smilow Cancer Hospital. Maureen Raucci will honor Allene by displaying her name on her team's banner. 

A celebration of Allene’s life will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Branford. For information, call Cody-White Funeral Home in Milford at 203-874-0268.


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