Sandra Susan (Paulson) Allen, 83, of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 17th at home surrounded by her husband, children, and siblings on one of her most beloved holidays—St. Patrick’s Day. Although only a wee bit Irish in lineage, she was 100% Irish proud on this shamrock-laden holiday. Erin go bragh!

She was born on September 26, 1942, in Mauston, WI and shortly thereafter they moved to La Crosse while her dad went off to Europe for World War 2. A proud 1960 graduate of Aquinas High School, she then attended Viterbo College earning her bachelor’s in education. While at Viterbo, she loved theater and played numerous lead roles at Viterbo theater productions. Upon graduation she dedicated 35 years of teaching literature and grammar to La Crosse Central High School, retiring in 1998. She touched countless young people’s lives with her love of Shakespeare, poetry, and grammar. On August 20, 1966, she married the love of her life, Jim Allen, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church on the Viterbo Campus. Jim, a Northsider at heart and 1960 Logan High School grade, was happily married for nearly 60 years to his beloved wife.

Sandy and Jim had 3 children, a son Dr. Jim, and two daughters Heather and Heidi. They were also blessed with 3 grandchildren, Jon, Parker, and Greta. They have all brought much happiness to Sandy and Jim over the years and the times spent together will be cherished forever. A well-read intelligent woman, she traveled Europe and abroad extensively in her life especially during her retirement years with Jim, family, and friends. She had a love and knowledge of literature and history and shared many stories of her travels with her many lifelong friends and family. She was young at heart, a beautiful soul, particularly friendly, and made a lasting impact on those lives she touched. And she was the world’s greatest holiday home decorator!

She is survived by her husband Jim, children, and grandchildren. The eldest of 8 siblings, she is also survived by Jane Ryan (Ed), Mary Jo Jansky, Bev Kellicut (Steve), Bill Paulson, Barb Gleason (Lloyd), and Laura Reichgelt (Richie) and brother-in-law Mike Short. And many special cousins–particularly Patty Froegel–and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many dear friends with whom she shared countless wonderful moments and memories. She was truly a blessed woman, and the family is so grateful for her impact on their lives. She was a polished gem.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marion and Gordy Paulson, mother and father in-law Irene and Bob Allen, extra-special aunt Ginny and Uncle Kenny, brother-in-law Tom Jansky, and her dear sister Julie Short.

As we mourn her passing, we remember her teaching us to love life to the fullest and take each day as it comes with a smile on your face. Buy the tickets, take the trips, eat the cake—because you never know what tomorrow may bring. Our family intends to uphold her tradition of decorating for the holidays throughout the year. Sandy, thanks for all the memories. And as we say goodbye, we remember goodbyes are not forever. It only means “until we meet again”.

Coulee Region Cremation Group Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements. There will be a Celebration of Life for Sandy at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska on Saturday April 25th from 2-7pm with a short service at 3:30pm. We hope that friends and family can join us to celebrate Sandy’s life.