Obituary of Jocelyn Terell Allen
Allen, Jocelyn Terell (Nee: Jocelyn Talbot Botterell)
March 16, 1939 - September 11, 2022
Jocelyn Terell Allen passed away peacefully on September 11, 2022 at the age of 83 years. Jocelyn fought a battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease. She participated in clinical research studies in the hopes of finding treatment for others.
She was born on March 16, 1939 in Toronto, Ontario. Jocelyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Peter; her three beloved sons, Eric (Aliya), Geoff (Shaila), Chris (Cindy); and her sister, Daphne Payne as well as numerous relatives and many dear friends worldwide. Most near and dear to her heart, were her treasured grandchildren whom she loved and cherished: Lucas, Isabelle, Rose, Will, Claire and Jordan.
Jocelyn was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Maggie Botterell.
Jocelyn, known as “Jocey” to her friends and family, left an indelible mark on her community. She became a dancer with the National Ballet Company in 1956 at the age of sixteen. She danced as a member of the corps de ballet in the Carter-Barron Amphitheatre in Washington, D.C., studied dance in New York and London as a member of the Company, and then became a principal dancer in 1963. After a series of injuries left her unable to continue her career in dance, she completed her undergraduate degree in English and History at York University and, later in life, completed a master’s degree in English from the University of Toronto. Jocelyn never truly left the world of dance, sitting on the boards of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre and Peggy Baker Dance Projects. After dance, Jocelyn’s other passions included teaching and writing. She taught movement to children and eventually went on to teach pre-university outreach courses (“Bridging courses”) off-campus to mature women students seeking entrance to York University. At the age of 80, Jocelyn fulfilled a long-held dream of writing and publishing Early Days, Early Dancers, a book that captures the spirit of the early years of dance at the National Ballet of Canada. Jocelyn was a patron of many causes that were close to her heart and generously contributed her time and talents to furthering the development of the arts, education for the underprivileged, women’s health care and the church. She established scholarships for dance and women’s studies. She was passionate about helping others in need (and was an activist for social justice). Jocelyn was a true and devoted friend to many. She found great contentment while writing, spending time with her grandchildren, going to the theatre, and being out in nature. She was an avid and discerning reader and loved picking out books for her grandchildren. Jocelyn inspired her family and friends to always celebrate life in the moment.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 14, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, 3 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, Toronto.
Memorial Donations may be made in Jocelyn’s name to Belmont House in Toronto.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to:
The Management and Staff at Belmont House
“Team Allen” – Jocelyn’s spectacular caregivers
Doctors Carmela Tartaglia, Carol Kitai, Linda Skrapits, Susan Fox, Ivone Ferreira, Joshua Tepper
Bishop Andrew Asbil, Reverend Canon Steven Mackison, Reverend Susan Haig
For their care and compassion.
© 2022 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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