Catherine Mary Allen

Resident of San Jose

There is a longing in our hearts to hold dear to us the memory of Kate Allen, who left us on November 1st, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Catherine Mary Allen on May 9th, 1966 in Westminster, California to Robin (from Northern Ireland) and Christina Allen (from England). The Allen family moved back to England in 1979, where Kate finished her schooling and attended Sulihull College. While in England Kate refined her softball skills and became a well known, accomplished player. She was chosen for the Great Britain national softball team in 1984 and played on this team for 18 years. In 2007, England recognize Kate's softball accomplishments by introducing her into the British sports hall of fame. Kate took great pride in her participation in and traveled to numerous parts of the world plating professional softball. After living in Holland for six years, Kate moved to the United States in 1933 and pursued her career in Pharmaceutical Research. She lived her life to the fullest, truly embracing her mantra to Dream, Imagine, and Believe. Her kindness and gentle spirit drew people to her. She was preceded in death and now joins in spirit, her father Robin, Aunt Evelyn and Aunt Sharon. Kate leaves behind her loving partner Teresa Barker, who will carry her memory forever; her mother Christina of England; her loving brother Stuart who traveled from England several times to support Kate through her journey; sister in law Linda, nieces Beth and Becka, nephews Jacob and Hamish; Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob Blindell of Huntington Beach, California and many other Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in England, Ireland, Hong Kong and the States; and many dear friends and extended family. Kate would want to thank her family, wonderful friends, for their unwavering love, time, and support during this difficult time, In her memory, please take a moment to imagine what dream you've held on to, believe in it, and make it a reality. Visitation is on November 03, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm with prayers being said at 7:30pm at Willow Glen Funeral Home and Funeral Service will be held on November 04, 2010 at 1pm at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Willow Glen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Women Care of Santa Cruz, a Women's Cancer Advocacy for Resources and Education.