Mary Allen

Mary (Barton) Allen, 87, of Copake, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 9, 2025.

Born and raised in Jackson, MI, Mary attended Catholic school and studied at the University of Michigan and Rutgers University. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University at Albany.

After a career teaching in reform and special-needs institutions, she entered the field of online book sales with Bibliofind, which was acquired by Amazon. For a time Mary was Amazon’s only New York State-based employee. Eventually she merged her twin passions for animals and books by founding DogTales, an online bookstore specializing in works related to dogs, horses and other animals. The enterprise thrived, allowing for one of her chief passions—traveling to weekend book sales with her dear friend Maureen Rodgers of Rodgers Book Barn.

Mary’s love for animals led her to dog rescue, first joining Greyhound Friends, Inc. before co-founding Out of the Pits, a pit bull rescue and educational group, in 1994 with friend Cydney Cross. Like Ms. Cross, she was a passionate and articulate champion of the breed, noting that it was traditionally an American favorite, a gentle and affectionate breed known as “the children’s nursemaid”. Out of the Pits has flourished, running a successful educational program to restore the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and rescuing more than 3,000 dogs.

Mary is survived by two brothers Bruce Barton of Jackson, MI and David Barton of Detroit, MI, two beloved sons Gregory (Pamela) Allen of Glenmont, NY and Bruce (Dorothy) Allen of Rotterdam, NY, two cherished grandsons, Cade and Zane Allen, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary (Watson Strain) Barton, both originally of Scotland, a brother John Barton, and a dear friend Barbara Rindler.

Mary’s family gives sincere thanks to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.

Calling hours are Friday, December 19 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a celebration of life beginning at 4:30, at Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Out of the Pits, PO Box 2311, Albany, NY 12220.