Madeleine Gail Allen, age 88, a resident of Wheaton, died peacefully in her home on May 4, after a 19 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born October 19, 1926 in Shreveport, LA.

Prior to her retirement, Gail worked for School District 89 in Glen Ellyn as a school secretary and then as a secretary for the Superintendent for 20 years. She spent her life helping her family grow and flourish. She was a behind the scenes gal and took care of all the things that needed to get done so that others could excel and enjoy the benefits. After her husband of 46 years died, Gail moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Paul. She spent years helping with hundreds of foster children who came to their home. Every time her husband heard the song, "Wind Beneath My Wings" he would say that was how he felt about Gail. She loved trees and flowers and the "first snow fall". She was always pointing out God's creations for others to notice and enjoy with her.

Gail's last selfless gift was donating her body to science.

Gail is survived by her son, Judge Jeff (Nora) Allen, and daughters, Madeleine Joy (Bob) Curran and Jill (Paul) Keenon. Paul said "Gail was like a second mother to me. I could not have picked a better mother-in-law." She is also survived by her niece, Tresa (Lewis) Kasten, 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Allen; parents, Byno Mason and Madeleine LaVoie; sister, Mickey Johns and brothers, Robert and Jerry Mason.

A Private Family Service will be held in July.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org/donate.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.