Sandra Beecroft Allen passed away, with her devoted husband at her side, on January 19, 2023. Sandra was born in Douglas, Arizona on November 29, 1933 to Irl Robert and Ruth Huish Beecroft. She was the sixth of nine children. Her father passed away when she was eight years old, leaving the family changed forever. At age fifteen, she moved with her family to Provo, Utah, so that she and her siblings could benefit from proximity to Brigham Young University. Sandra graduated from BY High in 1951 and from Brigham Young University in 1956. She then taught school in Midvale, Utah, and Montclair, New Jersey.
She met her future husband, Don B. Allen, at the LDS Manhattan ward in New York City while teaching in New Jersey. They married on August 22, 1958, in the LDS Salt Lake Temple, then moved to Berkeley, California where Sandra taught first grade and Don attended law school. After Don’s graduation, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Sandra supported Don in leading a 40-year law career with Ray, Quinney, & Nebeker.
Sandra and Don began their family in Berkeley and ultimately welcomed five sons and two daughters. Their children in turn blessed them with 25 grandchildren and at the time of her death five great-grandchildren.
Sandra was a “stay-at-home mom” while raising her family and was active in the LDS Church, school PTA, and other community endeavors. She instilled in her children the values of education, family, and faith. It was her great joy to be the wife of Don B. Allen for nearly 65 years. She described him as a wonderful companion, provider and sweetheart.
She was a talented teacher and enjoyed working in mutual, primary, and 25 years teaching Relief Society. Teaching was always one of her great joys.
Her grandchildren remember her as a witty and vibrant conversationalist, an excellent cook, and a well-coiffed lady who always had her nails painted. She and Don provided many environments and opportunities for family gatherings, including weekly summer swim nights in Salt Lake and a vacation home in St. George, Utah.
After the youngest child Todd was married, and all the LDS missions for children were finished, and Don retired, Sandra and Don served four senior missions covering five years to Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa. It was a great experience to be partners and companions in marriage, parenting, and church service. Sandra had a deep and abiding love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sandra considered hers to be a great life full of opportunities to learn, serve, love, and grow in faith and joy. She leaves life grateful for the joy of having lived a full life with appreciation for her Maker, partner, parents and children.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Don, children: Diana (Dave) Gessel, Christopher (Norzom), David (Caitlin), Bryan (Lori), Richard (Elizabeth), Cohleen (Mark) Christian, Todd (Anna); twenty five grandchildren; five great grandchildren and her sister Vivien (Clayne) Robison.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive. A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. A free Zoom account is required.
Diana,
We send our love and condolences at the loss of your sweet Mother! We hope you find peace during this time of loss.
May you feel the love of your Savior and of family and friends in this time of sorrow. May you remember the wonderful memories Sandra has given you.
"And it came to pass..."
Diana,
I remember having chats with your mom when ever I went your house growing up. She was always engaging and interested. Having your mom graduate from this journey leaves such a big hole in your heart. Sending love ❤️
Sandra was one of the most wonderful people we had the privilege of knowing. She was always teasing Don for holding formal interviews with us and asking us to help with chores. She always treated us like family. We could never stop smiling when we were around her for this past year. She always made us laugh and we'll miss hearing her quick wit. We send our love and appreciation to the family.
I met Sandra when I was a young mother with a baby and I was her visiting teacher( when they lived in the house on the corner across from the Church). She was such fun and we became good friends. She invited me to take an Art History Class with her at the U. of U. and we took several classes on the general survey of Art History. We worked on many committees together through the years, and I always enjoyed her teaching in Relief Society. I will miss her greatly, but I feel fortunate to have known her for over 40 years. She blessed my life and widened my horizons.