Carol Olive Allen

Born on February 21, 1925 to George Linke and Lucile Heaton Linke, Carol was the second eldest of five daughters. She grew up on a cattle ranch in the small town of Bassett, Nebraska during the difficult years of the Great Depression. From a young age, Carol learned the values of hard work and family, helping her mother care for her younger sisters and assisting her father in the hayfields.

After graduating from Rock County High School, Carol briefly worked as a teacher in a small country school. At just 19, she left her home and took a bus to Hollywood, California, where she joined the workforce at Lockheed, supporting the World War II effort. After the war, Carol returned to Nebraska, and rekindled her relationship with her high school sweetheart, Hugh Allen. They married in Nebraska on November 30, 1947 (“The whole town was invited and everyone who wasn’t sick came to the wedding”) beginning a long and loving partnership until Hugh’s passing in 2013. The day after the ceremony the two took the train to Los Angeles to start their new life, with $100 in War Bonds.

In Los Angeles, Carol worked as a checker at Safeway while Hugh began a 37-year career with Bank of America. They had one son, Paul Mason Allen. Carol later dedicated over 20 years of service to Los Angeles City Schools. In her free time, she had a passion for Dodger baseball, baking, quilting, and her grandchildren. Known for her thriftiness, Carol delighted in finding coins on her walks around Porter Ranch. She also volunteered for several years at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Northridge, California, where she made many lasting friendships.

Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her message to her family and descendants was clear: “Always love your family- that will be the most important part of your life.” She is survived by her son Paul Allen (Cathy), her grandchildren, Greg and Kate, and many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her four sisters, Jane Linke Peterson, Donna Linke Seminario, Joan Linke Panayioutou, and Georgia Linke Mock.

Carol’s life was one of love, service, and connection, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Carol’s ashes will be interred at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Santa Clarita, California.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Carol requested contributions to The American Cancer Society.