June Irene Rees Boots Allen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of June Irene Rees Boots Allen, who died peacefully on September 22, 2026, in Anderson, Indiana, at the age of 99.

June was born on August 3, 1927, in Maerdy, Rhondda, South Wales, United Kingdom, to Cornelius Rees and Mildred Fisher Reynolds. Her remarkable life spanned nearly a century and included a historic journey across the Atlantic as a World War II war bride, a fulfilling career and life of community service, devotion to her family, and a lifelong commitment to preserving the stories of those whose lives were shaped by wartime.

In February 1946, following the end of World War II, June traveled to the United States aboard the RMS Queen Mary as part of the historic Diadem Operation. Traveling with her infant son, she crossed the Atlantic under the War Brides Act to begin a new life in America with her first husband, Arnie Boots, an American soldier and military policeman. The couple had endured nearly two years of separation during the war before being reunited.

June made Anderson, Indiana, her home for 78 years, where she became a cherished member of the community. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a realtor with O.C. Clark and remained actively involved in the Anderson community. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, served on the Anderson Board of Realtors, and served as Vice Chairperson of the Democratic Party.

Family was always at the center of June's life. She and Arnie raised their sons, James, Terry, and Dennis Boots. She was a devoted mother and proud grandmother whose family continued to grow through the generations.

June also became an important voice in preserving the history of World War II war brides. She willingly shared her memories and experiences through appearances on CBS Sunday Morning, as well as through numerous magazines, newspapers, and historical events. Her extraordinary journey inspired author Susan Meissner, whose historical novel A Bridge Across the Ocean helped bring the experiences of wartime brides to a wider audience.

Her connection to the Queen Mary remained an important part of her life. In 2013, 67 years after her original crossing, June returned to the ship in Long Beach, California, for an emotional visit documenting the history of notable passengers. In 2015, Cunard Line hosted June and Commodore Everett Hoard, a former commander of the original Queen Mary, on a commemorative voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York City. In 2016, she participated in the Queen Mary's 80th anniversary celebration, continuing her efforts to preserve the memories and artifacts of that historic era.

June celebrated her 99th birthday on August 3, 2026, and was honored by the City of Anderson, which proclaimed "June Boots Allen Day" in recognition of her extraordinary life, her contributions to preserving the history of World War II war brides, and the lasting impact she had on her family and community.

June is survived by her two sons, James Boots and Terry Boots, daughter-in-law Mary Boots and her four beloved grandchildren: Christopher (Teresa) Boots, Carri (James) O'Donnell, Kathryn Boots, and Meghan (Lewis Brown) Boots. She also leaves behind a growing family of 7 Great Grandchildren, & 12 Great Great Grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, S. Paul Allen; her parents, Cornelius Rees and Mildred Fisher Reynolds; her first husband, Arnie Boots; her son, Dennis Boots; and close family friend Commodore Everette Hoard.

June's life was a testament to resilience, devotion, courage, and remembrance. As a young woman, she crossed an ocean to be reunited with the man she loved. She went on to build a family, serve her community, pursue a successful career, and preserve the stories of a generation whose lives were forever changed by war.

Her journey began in a small town in South Wales and carried her across the Atlantic to Anderson, Indiana, where she spent most of her life. Along the way, she became not only a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, but also a living connection to an important chapter of history.

June crossed an ocean for love, built a family, served her community, preserved a history, and left a legacy that will endure for generations.

Rest in peace, June. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives you touched.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of June's life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with Rev. Kathryn Thomas officiating at Trinity Episcopal Church: 1030 Brown-Delaware Street, Anderson, IN. Friends and family are welcome to join the visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at 5:00 p.m., to honor the incredible life she lived and the many lives she touched. Funeral services are being taken care of by Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory- Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor June's memory to consider a memorial donation to the Queen Mary Heritage Foundation.

To make a memorial donation, please scan the QR code below.

In memory of June Irene Rees Boots Allen

August 3, 1927 - September 22, 2026