Retired Batchelder Librarian
NORTH READING — Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Miriam Martha Wells Allen of North Reading, Massachusetts, passed away on May 25, 2025 after a short illness. She was the beloved wife of William Allen for 70 years. A longtime resident of North Reading, Miriam was 89 years old.
Miriam was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 2, 1936, the daughter of late Harry B. and Ruth Chadbourne Wells.
Miriam was a devoted wife to William Allen. She was a beloved mother to Nancy Major of Olympia, Washington, Marcia Brown of Lawrence, Massachusetts, David (Yodit) Allen of Flower Mound, Texas and Dana (Lily) Allen of Dayton, Ohio. She was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren including Zoe, Leah, Rick, Keith, Billy, Alyssa, Breanna, Matti, Sophie, Katherine, Chad, Claire, and Guy. She was a great-grandmother to Landon, Christian, Alice, Evie, and Declan.
Miriam was a well-regarded librarian of the Batchelder Elementary School for over 20 years and enjoyed her time working with her students. She was an avid reader and shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren.
Miriam was a life-long member of Girl Scouts, and was actively involved in scouting for over 60 years. Starting in her youth, Miriam joined the Scouts as a Brownie, continuing on through the Girl Scout ranks. She later became a Camp Counselor, a Troop Leader, and eventually a very active member of the town Girl Scout Council.
The family will be holding a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts at https://www.gsema.org/en/support-us/donate-locally.html.