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GULF STREAM — Helen Baur Allis, known to all as “Nana,” died peacefully on April 9. Born in Milwaukee on April 24, 1927, she was a resident of Fox Point, Shorewood, River Hills and, finally, Mequon, Wisc., and Gulf Stream.
Mrs. Allis enjoyed a loving and supportive marriage of 65 years to William White Allis. Mrs. Allis leaves behind four children who were devoted to her: Mary Allis Schellhorn of St. Simons Island, Ga., Wendy Allis of Somerville, Mass., Bill Allis of Harrisburg, Pa., and Jeffrey Allis of Delray Beach.  She is survived also by six grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents Lorraine and E. Frederic Baur; brother John Baur; sister Rosemary Lindsay, and grandson Peter Schellhorn.
Mrs. Allis graduated from Milwaukee Downer Seminary and attended nursing school in Arizona. When she returned to Milwaukee, she taught nursery school at Milwaukee Country Day School.
A range of community organizations benefited from Nana’s enthusiasm and many talents, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet, Junior League of Milwaukee, Green Tree Garden Club, and Medical College of Wisconsin. She also served on the boards of directors for Columbia Hospital and the Garden Club of America.  Mrs. Allis helped found a halfway house for women who suffered from mental illness and participated in a reading program for young children during her time in Gulf Stream.
Mrs. Allis was instrumental in the success of Fairfield Greenhouse, a company founded by her husband. She worked with the company for 10 years and made great friends of all employees. She and a good friend partnered to start a small business, Michael-Williams Ltd., selling fashion accessories for several years.
An avid sportswoman, Mrs. Allis loved to swim, ice skate, and play tennis. With her husband’s encouragement, she took up golf during the early years of their marriage and became a very good player. She competed at a high level in Milwaukee Country Club tournaments and district leagues. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Mrs. Allis took on competitive bridge with gusto.
She travelled with her husband throughout the U.S. and around the world and loved to visit their many friends and family.
Mrs. Allis was a gracious entertainer, voracious reader and lover of jazz. She had a discerning eye, a unique style, lots of pizzazz, and a zest for life and laughter. She was a devoted and fun-loving friend to people of all ages and walks of life.  
Although Mrs. Allis struggled with Alzheimer’s disease during her last years, her family and friends were heartened to see her strength and personality shine through. Rest in peace, Nana.  
Family will greet friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23 at Forest Home Cemetery, Landmark Chapel, 2405 Forest Home Ave., Milwaukee, followed by a service honoring Nana’s life at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor D. William Knapp officiating.  Private family burial will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nana’s memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Wisconsin, 620 S. 76th St., Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214;  or the  Garden Club of America, 14 E. 60th St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Letters of condolence may be sent to the family c/o Mary Allis Schellhorn, 159 St. Andrews, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
— Obituary submitted by the family