Jacqueline Spell Allen

Jacqueline (Jackie) Spell Allen, age 90, died peacefully surrounded by family, at her home in Costa Mesa, CA on September 19, 2017.

Born June 10, 1927 in Salt Lake City, UT, she lived in Reno and San Francisco, before making her home in Shreveport, LA.  Jackie remained in Shreveport for over 40 years, where she raised her family, had many dear friends including the "Automobile Girls" (her traveling buddies). She was honored to serve as First Lady of Shreveport to her husband Mayor L. Calhoun Allen.  A graduate of University of Nevada Reno, Jackie loved her time as a school teacher, but it would surprise no one who knew her that she truly enjoyed her experiences working outdoors in Yellowstone National Park, as well as her time as a lifeguard and ski instructor.  She was proud of her job as a social worker for the state of Louisiana, helping to place disabled and disadvantaged individuals in employment.  Jackie enjoyed playing tennis on the courts at Pierremont Oaks before gaining a love of golf, especially while learning the game with the love of her life, Calhoun.  She then returned to her old friends and a very active life in Reno, NV, before spending her later years near family in Southern California.

Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Calhoun; her parents, Elizabeth McDonald Spell and Baird Thayer Spell; her brother John Vincent McDonald and sister, Denyse Spell Gledhill; and her stepdaughter, Frances Olivia Allen.  She is survived by her son, John Kendall Schober, his wife Belinda Smith Schober; daughter Lisa Schober Smith and husband Thomas Baker Smith Sr.; 5 grandchildren John Patrick Schober and his wife Zuly Sanchez Schober, Steven Michael Schober, Lilly Calhoun Smith, Thomas Baker Smith Jr., Thayer Baird Smith; and, great grandchild Alexis Grace Schober; as well as her sister Helen Naydene Shortell; her stepson L. Calhoun Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 12:00 PM at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, UT. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome at Jackie's longtime church home, Trinity Episcopal Church of Reno, NV (trinityreno.org; PO Box 2246, Reno, NV 89505) or a charity of your choosing.