Patricia Marie Allen

January 22, 1952 - March 28, 2020

Some people have a gift to say a great deal using few or even no words at all. These people are the ones who leave lasting, meaningful legacies. They live their truth.

Patricia Marie Allen’s playful ways always convinced any infant to greet her with the most angelic smile. Yet, her serious side mentored her siblings and only child to “never jeopardize yourself or your beliefs for anyone or anything.”

“Pat” as many friends referred to her, was born on January 22, 1952 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Eugene D. Alexander and Doris M. Alexander (Farmer). She was the third of six children: Eugene, Randy, John “Billy”, Pamela and Diana who affectionately call her “Trish” or “Trisha.” She played an active role as caretaker for her siblings.

In her adolescence her family was very transient and they grew up attending several schools in both the Mitten and the Lone Star State. Pat settled in Jackson in late 1970. In 1971 she graduated from Jackson Public Schools and was introduced to her husband Wayne Allen by her big brother Randy who offered her up for a trade- “a date with my sister for a ride in that big block Corvette.”

Trisha worked for the State Hospital as a nurse’s aide. On September 1, 1978 Wayne and Patricia wed. A year later their only child Amber was born. While Amber was young, Pat worked a variety of jobs including: Jewel Osco bakery, Direct Care Worker, an Advocate for Segue, Inc., a part time mail carrier, and a Medical Assistant. Her work ethic was strong and her motivation was to provide for her family, especially so that her daughter could have dance lessons because this would “give her grace and self-esteem.” Pat retired from Segue in 2011 and promptly requested to be the caretaker of her youngest grandson, Mattox. Nothing brought her greater joy than being “Grammie” to her two grandsons, Lincoln and Mattox.

Pat enjoyed riding motorcycles with Wayne and traveling to Hawaii with loved ones. She was a skilled seamstress and quilter who had an appreciation for detailed stitching and appliques. That newfangled machinery didn’t intimidate her. She was ready to tackle her brand new Serger with gumption and create some new projects.

Trisha was an excellent and purposeful gift giver. She was careful and thoughtful in what she chose to give and why. She volunteered her time in her daughter’s 2nd grade classroom, she sewed blankets for cats and dogs at the Cascades Humane Society and she also volunteered at the Hospice House in Jackson.

Pat is survived by her husband Wayne Allen, Daughter Amber (Will) Keathley, two grandsons Lincoln and Mattox and 4 siblings: Eugene Alexander, John (Allison) Alexander, Pamela Alexander (Gary Scott) and Diana (Mike) Mitchell. Special nieces and nephews will cherish her silly and caring ways. She was preceded in death by her father Eugene Alexander, her mother Doris Alexander, and brother Randy Alexander.

A celebration of her life will be held at Rivertree Community Church (3113 Lansing Ave. Jackson, Michigan 49202) on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a committal service earlier that day at 10:30 a.m. at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Cascades Humane Society in honor of her beloved Shitzu, Rylie.