Thomasine "Tommie" Alan

Thomasine “Tommie” Alan, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, October 29 at Agrace HospiceCare.  She had been residing at the New Glarus Home after living in Blanchardville for 20 years. She was born May 24, 1933 in Nevada to Herbert Edward Rowntree and Elsie Vera (Everett) Rowntree. She grew up and attended school in Smith Valley. She had graduated from Smith Valley High School in 1950. She met Donald “Woody” Alan her freshman year in college. They were married on August 2, 1953 in Smith Valley. They made their home in Glenview, IL where Woody’s family had lived for 3 generations and settled into the church community. After their three daughters began school Thomasine returned to college in 1967 for a degree in elementary education, graduating in December of 1971 and returned to teaching primary grades at the Immanual Church School. She retired in 1983.

In 1991 Tommie and Woody purchased land with their daughter, Frieda, and her husband near Blanchardville and moved to live there full time in 1996.  While Woody worked in his nursery, the abundant nature and beauty surrounding their house inspired Tommie to hone her talent in both painting and writing. She completed a series of barn paintings for display when Blanchardville hosted the visiting Smithsonian Institute’s Barn Again traveling exhibit. Woody was delighted when Tommie was immersed in her painting.

Tommie was active in the Blanchardville Woman’s Club. As she became more incapacitated she continued to support the club by sending out meeting notices and remained on the email list after she moved to New Glarus Home to keep abreast of club activities.

Thomasine is survived by

Three sisters: Janice Bailey of Hamilton, MT; Gail Rowntree of Bedford, TX; and Joyce (John) Phillips of Reno, NV

              Four nieces and three nephews

Three daughters: Janice (Cedric) Lumsden of Smyrna, GA; Frieda Synnestvedt of Blanchardville; and Yvonne Alan of Dodgeville, WI.

Two Grandsons: Derrick (Eden) Lumsden of Kempton, PA; and Ian (Lydia) Lumsden of Rockledge, PA

Great Grandsons: John, Christian, Hunter, David, and Isaiah

The Alan counsins: Don Alan of Chicago; Carolyn (Mark) Harwell of Rio Rancho, NM; Terry (Julie) Alan of St. Louis; Larry Alan of Seattle, WA; Sonia (Steve) Tullis of Munford, TN.

A gathering of family and friends to remember Tommie’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9th starting at 11:00 AM at Blanchard Hall at 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville.  A service of tribute and memories will follow at noon at Blanchard Hall.  A potluck lunch with ham, lamb, and condiments provided will be held at Blanchard Hall following the service.  The family suggests memorials in Tommie's name in lieu of flowers.  Suggestions are: Blanchardville Woman’s Club, Huntington Disease Society of America, American Cancer Society, Nature Conservancy and Blanchardville EMS.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralservice.com

A memorial service will also be held for Thomasine Monday, December 16 at 4 pm at Glenview New Church. 74 Park Drive Glenview, IL 60025. (Phone 847.724.0057)

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