Mary M. Allingham, 80, of Groton died peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 2, 2010, in the company of her family.
She was born in Boston, MA on February 19, 1930, the daughter of Emery and Polly Leonard. She graduated high school from Concord Academy in Concord, MA in 1947 and received a B.A. from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, VA in 1951. She returned to school after her children were born, and in 1970 earned an M.F.A. in Library Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.
Mrs. Allingham worked in the insurance industry in Boston before marrying her childhood friend, comrade-in-arms and love of her life, Robert P. Allingham, in 1952. Their union flourished for more than 55 years.
Mary was a homemaker during her children's formative years, but when her youngest daughter entered school, she began a second career as a librarian with the Groton Public Schools. Mrs. Allingham spent more than 25 years as librarian at Eastern Point School in Groton. She was much beloved by the thousands of students who passed through the doors of her library, who loved her reading stories aloud as much as she enjoyed reading them. As one kindergartener said, "When Mrs. Allingham tells a story, gold comes out of her mouth."
After retirement in 1992, she and her beloved husband traveled extensively with a group of dear friends, attended numerous Elderhostel adult education courses around the country, and played cheerfully competitive bridge with a wide circle of friends, an activity she continued to enjoy even after her husband's death in 2007. She played with her regular bridge group as recently as last Wednesday.
Just ten days before her passing, Mrs. Allingham was guest of honor at an 80th birthday gala, with many close friends and family members – including all of her children and grandchildren – in attendance. Her delight at being surrounded by so many of the people she loved most was palpable; her friends and family were her greatest joy.
She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Mystic. She was a tireless volunteer for Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, and was a founder of that agency's Charity Bookstore in Groton. She was also a long-time member of the Shennecossett Beach Club, the setting of many of her bridge triumphs.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Robert and a daughter, Polly C. Kellum. She is survived by her sister and oldest friend, Carol Webster of Kennebunk, ME; two sons, Stephen E. Allingham of New London, and Thomas J. Allingham II, and his wife Pamela, of Wilmington, DE; a daughter, Sarah E. Wills, and her husband Cedric, of Groton; and seven grandchildren: Thomas J. Allingham III, and his wife Elaine Gill, of Riverton, N. J.; Samuel E. Allingham, of Philadelphia, PA; Henry R.S. Allingham and Lillian E. Allingham, both of Wilmington, DE; and Quentin E. Wills, Cody L. Wills, and Zoe E. Wills, all of Groton.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic.