Michelle M. Allen

February 11, 1964 - May 15, 2022

Michelle Marie Allen, 58, of Buffalo Grove, Ill., passed away on May 15, 2022. Michelle was born Feb. 11, 1964, in Knox, Indiana. She was a 1982 graduate of Forest View High School, where she played the flute in band and was a member of the Falcettes Pom Pon team. Michelle was a graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing, with a BSN from Elmhurst University. Over a long career in nursing and nursing home administration, she served hundreds of patients and residents, most recently as the MDS coordinator at Elevate Care in Niles. She further shared that compassion for others as a Minister of Care administering communion to residents of long-term care, and coordinated blood drives at St. Raymond Church in Mount Prospect. Michelle was family oriented, and never missed a birthday, holiday, or other opportunity to spend time with her mother and siblings, cheer on her nieces and nephew, or catch up with other cherished relatives. Michelle loved music and singing, and could often be found singing as a dedicated soprano member of the choir at St. Raymond’s Church and the Festival Chorus at Harper College, especially around the holidays. She made art and friendships for over 25 years with her “Stitch and Bitch” cross-stitching group. Michelle was a passionate fan of the Chicago Dogs baseball team, the Green Bay Packers, and especially the Chicago Cubs. She loved movies, from the Oscars to the Hallmark Channel; reading, especially Philippa Gregory’s historical novels; and true crime and mystery TV. Closer to home, she was an avid reader of the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald, and a longtime WGN listener, especially Rick Kogan’s Sunday night show. Michelle brought joy, laughter, enthusiasm, and the biggest smile to everything she did. She will be so missed. Michelle was the beloved daughter of Marie Peterson, the late Edwin Allen, and late stepfather Joseph Henquinet; loving sister of Jeff Allen, Gail Bending (Bob), Steve Henquinet, and Rich Henquinet (Eileen); loving aunt of Stephanie Nikodem, Margaux Henquinet, Troy Henquinet (Shirie), Samantha Nikodem, and Kelsey Henquinet; dear friend of Lynda Duncan and Dianne Lambert; and cherished by countless other cousins, relatives, and friends. Memorial visitation will be held Monday, May 23, from 3-8 p.m. at Matz Funeral Home, 410 E. Rand Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Raymond Church, 301 S. I-Oka Ave., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056, with visitation preceding from 9-10 a.m. Memorials in Michelle’s name may be made to the Festival Chorus c/o Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067.