Irene Anne "Granny" Allard passed from her earthly life into eternity on June 16, 2024. She died peacefully at home with her daughters by her side. Granny was an independent woman who lived life on her terms and approached death in the very same way. She openly talked about her wishes. She was so grateful and content with the life she lived and often counted her blessings.

Granny was born in Great Ayton, England on October 16, 1937. Her parents were Doris Robinson and Dave Thomas. She grew up in this little English village with her younger brother, Colin. Colin, his wife Catherine, and their family continue to live in Ayton today.

Granny married Norman Clark Brooks in 1956. They had two children, Clyve and Lesley. Clyve died when he was a few weeks old from a congenital heart defect. This union ended after nine years and Granny moved to the United States with her daughter, Lesley in 1965. She married Carl W Allard whom she met when Carl served in the US Army and was stationed in England. They made their home in rural South Dakota and had two daughters, Cindy, and Carla. Granny embraced America and was naturalized in 1975. She was a patriot and proud to be an American citizen.

Granny felt welcomed and loved by the Allard family and the rural communities surrounding Martin, SD. Martin was her home for many years. She was active in her community and had an incredibly special circle of friends who shared coffee, birthdays, trips, gossip, laughter, and tears for many years. These ladies were very precious to her.

Granny had a variety of jobs. In England, she managed a "fancy dress shop" in Harlow. After coming to America, she learned how to drive a car and a tractor, helped to raise baby lambs and cooked big meals for sheep shearers. In 1972, she moved from the farm to Martin with her three daughters. She worked as a nanny for the Gunners and quickly became a part of their family. She later worked for Bob's Gas and from there became a bookkeeper for the Bennett County Co-op. She retired from the Co-op in 1999. After retirement, Granny worked at the Bennett County Library. In 2004, she moved to Rapid City, SD to be closer to her family and help with her grandchildren. She was the "welcome lady" at the westside Taco Johns for several years. She so loved talking with all the teens and regulars.

Granny never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a soft spot for the underdog. She would often stop to talk to someone she noticed on the corner with an offer of kind words and at times a little cash. She was an avid sports fan. She was her family's biggest supporter and was often heard yelling from the stands. She watched countless hours of basketball, tennis and track on TV and enjoyed long sports chats with Bruce, her special neighbor and friend.

Granny fiercely loved her family. She was a worrier about the little things but in a real emergency, Granny was rock solid. She was someone you could count on. She followed her grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities and interests and was always up for a philosophical conversation, coffee, or a shopping spree. She loved Christmas and taught her family that there can never be TOO many packages or bows. Granny had lots of opinions and was quick to share them. If she believed one of her family was "off the rails" they were sure to hear about it. She frequently mixed-up names of people and places which provided many laughs for the family.

Granny is survived by her daughters, Lesley Dzintars (Viktor) of Rapid City, Cindy Allard-Hines (Elgin) of Martin, Son-in law, Kevin Watson of Rapid City. Five grandchildren: Amanda Fish (Trevor) of Rapid City, Ivan Dzintars (Leah) of Boston, MA, Caleb Allard (Nia) of Rapid City, KJ Watson of Rapid City, Kyah Watson of Morgantown, WV. Six great grandchildren: Korbyn, Bekham, Nali, Ava, Pierce, and Xyla.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Carla Allard-Watson, and infant son, Clyve Brooks.

Granny will be remembered often and live in our hearts forever. We celebrate her life and spirit now and will have a formal Celebration of Life at a later date.