Assembly Resolution No. 703
BY: M. of A. Santabarbara
CELEBRATING the life of Mary Ann Devane Allen,
renowned attorney and special needs advocate,
devoted mother, and distinguished member of her
community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Mary Ann Devane Allen was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Mary Ann Devane Allen, noting
the significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Devane Allen of Slingerlands, New York, died on
May 16, 2022, at the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, Born in Albany, New York, to Mary Patricia Whalen Devane
and the late Thomas A. Devane Jr., Mary Ann Devane graduated magna cum
laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa from St. Lawrence University
with her Bachelor's degree in Government and English; she went on to
earn a Juris Doctor degree cum laude from Albany Law School; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her education, Mary Ann Devane Allen
pursued distinguished careers in law and special needs advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Devane Allen began her first career as an
associate attorney at Nixon, Hargrave, Devans, & Doyle, LLP, in
Rochester, New York; following her marriage, she returned to Albany, and
joined Bouck, Holloway, Kiernan, & Casey, LLP, where she eventually
became partner; and
WHEREAS, Well respected throughout her legal career for her
expertise in defense of property claims involving arson, Mary Ann Devane
Allen subsequently became a founding partner at Allen, Johnson, &
Lonergan; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, after serving for several years as President of
the Board of Directors of Wildwood Programs, Inc., an organization
dedicated to providing services for children and adults with
developmental disabilities, Mary Ann Devane Allen joined Wildwood as its
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, In this role, Mary Ann Devane Allen leveraged her legal
expertise, as well as her personal experience as the mother of a child
with autism, to help enhance the lives of countless individuals with
special needs and their families; and
WHEREAS, During her exemplary career at Wildwood, which ended upon
her retirement in December 2020, Mary Ann Devane Allen was recognized
throughout the community as a tireless advocate for individuals with
special needs and a cherished mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Devane Allen believed strongly in service to her
community, and in addition to her prior service as President of the
Wildwood Board of Directors, she was a member of the Board of Trustees
at the Academy of the Holy Names and a volunteer with Family Promise of
the Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, Known for her remarkable dedication to her family, Mary Ann
Devane Allen firmly believed that her role as a mother was her greatest
accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Devane Allen is survived by her beloved husband,
John L. Allen; and her cherished children, Matthew John Allen, Sarah
Broderick Allen, and Molly Bowman Allen; she is also survived by her
mother, Mary Patricia Devane; and siblings, Thomas A. Devane III,
Patricia Smith (Thomas), Maureen Kipper (Carl), Daniel Devane (Sharon),
Brian Devane (Elizabeth) and Kathleen Fouracre (Douglas); as well as
many deeply loved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, aunts,
uncles, and cousins; she was predeceased by her beloved father, Thomas
A. Devane Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Devane Allen's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Mary Ann Devane Allen leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she
will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of Mary Ann Devane Allen, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Mary Ann Devane Allen.
