Allene Robinson Small, 84, of Orange, wife of the late Odie Small, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Aug. 22. Allene was born on Oct. 1, 1928, attending Garfield High School (Ohio), Akron University and Southern Connecticut State University, earning two master’s degrees in education. She enjoyed her job at Martin Luther King Jr. School in New Haven where she taught for more than 40 years.

She loved her family and traveling, especially to her favorite places, the Cape and Vermont.

She is survived by her sons Charles Small of Bethany, Richard Small and his wife Pat of Orange, and Scott Small and his wife Diane of North Branford; her brother Jack Robinson of Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, Erik Small and his wife Sarah, Jason Small and his wife Anna-Maria, Scott Small, Jennifer McCulloch and her husband Sean, Tiffany Arsenault and her husband Adam, Stephanie Alderman and her husband Dean, Christopher Small and his wife Maria, and Sharon Small; and 13 great-grandchildren, Luna, Carter, Noelle, Eliza, Liam, Harlen, Silas, Scarlet, Oakleigh, Cooper, Mason, Quentin, and Topher. Allene also leaves her longtime friend, companion and love Ed Connolly, who is greatly appreciated by her family for always taking such good care of her. In addition to her late husband, Allene was predeceased by her mother Mabel D. Robinson, her father Clarence W. Robinson, and her sister Suella R. Prentice.

A celebration of Allene’s life will be held Saturday Sept. 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Branford. For information, call Cody-White Funeral Home in Milford at 203-874-0268. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 2013 Closer to Free Ride for Smilow Cancer Hospital (http://rideclosertofree.org). Maureen Raucci will honor Allene by displaying her name on her team’s banner.