She married Arthur Allen, a Northern Pomo, in 1919 and had four children. She spent years working various jobs, including as a laundress, and dedicated her time fully to basket making when she was 62.

Santa Rosa’s Elsie Allen High School, established in 1994, was named in her honor. Laura Somersal, of Wappo and Dry Creek Pomo ancestry, was another prominent basket weaver.