Sally Allenstein

Sally was born March 23, 1930, in Detroit as the only child of Knut and Marie (Boers) Gustafson, and grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. While interning in California, she met a naval officer, Richard Allenstein. They married in August 27, 1955, then followed his university teaching career living in Minneapolis, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Waukesha WI. In 1969 they moved to Marquette, Michigan, and built a home in the woods where they continued raising their children and resided for nearly 40 years.

Sally worked as a clinical dietician, ultimately heading the dietetics department at Marquette General Hospital. During her career, she oversaw the creation of a new cafeteria, planned weekly menus, and directed staff. Many recipes were first tried out in her home kitchen with family weighing in. Sally liked to sew, cook, and garden, and through these crafts expressed her creativity and love. She enjoyed attending cultural and sports events at Northern Michigan University, shared a spirit of adventure exploring the outdoors and wider world with her beloved husband of 64 years until his death in 2019. Staff at her assisted living residence remember her as an intrepid walker, venturing outdoors in all types of weather, a skill no doubt acquired during long winters in the Upper Peninsula.

To her family, she was a pragmatic, no-nonsense mother who guided them with a steady hand and loving heart.

She is survived by her children: Paul (Miriam) Allenstein of Bergenfield NJ, Karen (David) Stewart of Everett WA, Pamela (Richard Lyon) Allenstein of Kennett Square PA, and grandchildren: Taylor and Brandon Allenstein, Katie Estill, Sean Stewart, Eric and Liam Allenstein-Lyon. The memories and traditions she created will continue to inspire and comfort the family.

A private celebration of life is being planned by her family for early December. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, American Macular Degeneration Foundation, or charity of your choice.