Zoe (Lemley) Allard

Zoe Evangeline Headley Lemley Allard, of Barrington, formerly of Woonsocket, passed away on January 16, 2026. She was 101 years old, and the widow of Leon P. Allard. She was predeceased by her four siblings, Charles Lemley, Alice Sheads, Maurice Lemley, Jr., and Ann Stimmel.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol, and favorite son in law, Gerard M. DeCelles, with whom she lived. Zoe is also survived by her four sons and their wives: Paul E. Allard (Diane) Maurice S. Allard (Michele), Jeffrey L. Allard (Christine) of North Smithfield, and Marc C. Allard (Karen) of Miller Place, NY.

Zoe was born in Stephens City, VA, the daughter of Maurice Lemley and Sylva Headley Lemley.

When she was a teenager, she was crowned Miss Stephens City and rode on a float in Winchester Virginia's famous Apple Blossom Festival Parade.

She was a 1945 graduate of the Winchester Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Winchester, VA. For many years, she was a registered nurse in the Maternity Ward at Woonsocket and Landmark Hospitals. The Blizzard of '78 saw Zoe drafted into emergency service, and she flew around the state in a helicopter, giving medical assistance to those in need.

Zoe attributed her longevity to her daily walks, often covering 7 to 10 miles. She competed in the Get to the Point Road Race for many years, taking first place in her class. She also competed in St. Luke's Trot off Your Turkey Race, and McBride's Pub's 0-K Road Race in support of Operation Stand Down, where at 98, she led the warm-up exercises.

She enjoyed weekly bridge games with her friends, whom she dubbed the "Miss Daisies." She was the chauffeur.

But above all, her husband and children were the joy of her life. She presided over a large, cacophonous, lively, active household full of her boisterous boys, a quieter daughter, and her husband's mother, Lucina ("Mémé") and her sister, Cora ("Tee-Tee").

Zoe Allard leaves ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, beginning with visitation from 9-10 AM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in Precious Blood Church, 94 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Hopehealth Hulitar Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

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