Obituary of Mary Ann Allen

Mary Ann Allen of Edgewood passed away quietly in her home on October 28, 2011. She was born on May 24, 1933 in Puyallup WA to parents Margaret MacLean Harnisch and Harry Harnisch, Sr. She attended Visitation Villa and graduated from Clover Park High School (1950).She married her husband James L. Allen in 1954, and settled in Milton Washington where they raised four children, many dogs and horses. Mary Ann founded and served as President of the Tacoma chapter of the American Diabetes Association, and was instrumental in establishing Triangle Park in Milton Washington. She was a principal partner in the family business and very active in her church parish. In 1996, she helped found the St. Martin of Tours Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She served as the Conference's secretary until the day she died. An advocate for the poor, Mary Ann made many home visits to people in need who resided in the parish. With her husband, she traveled extensively through the U.S., Europe, South America, Asia and the South Pacific. A keen horsewoman, Mary Ann was devoted to her dogs, Kasey and Chloe. Beloved of many people and family, too numerous to count. Survived by her loving husband, James L. Allen, and their children: Steve Allen (Laura), Brian Allen (Linda), Kelly Allen Gillard (Jack), and Kathrine Allen Fegley (Kelly). Survived by one brother, Harry Harnisch, Jr. Her grandchildren remember her with love and laughter: Jacob Allen, Stephanie Jean Lozano (Luis), Hanna Allen, J.E.B. Allen, Jaimeson Sharpe, Spencer Fegley, and Nora Allen Gillard. Deeply missed by Judith Blakeslee and Barbara Budge, more than sisters in spirit and affection. She was a great storyteller. Our best times were always in the kitchen, talking and swapping tales. She survived many hardships with dignity and courage. She never gave up on herself or anyone else. She was passionate and brave and we loved her like salt. A mass celebrating Mary Ann's life will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at St. Martin of Tours, Fife, Washington. A viewing will be held at 10am, a rosary at 10:30am, followed by Mass at 11am. Remembrances may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Martin of Tours. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.