Obituary of Patricia Allen

December 3, 1932 – April 24, 2023

Patricia Ann Allen.  Age 90 of Grosse Ile.

Beloved wife of Richard Allen. Loving mother of Lynn (Jim) Harrison and Jon (Laura) Allen. Dearest grandmother of Dr. Jenna Harrison and Kara (Chris) Gates. Dear sister of Russell (Linda) Pauling.

Family Tribute

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Patricia Allen, or more lovingly known as “Pat.” Pat was a very intelligent woman who attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit, followed by a secondary education at the University of Michigan. During her educational years, Pat saved some time for fun; she played the clarinet in the marching bands both during high school and college. Playing in the prestigious University of Michigan band was something she thoroughly enjoyed and was especially proud of. While attending the University of Michigan, Pat’s studies led her to the School of Pharmacy. And, this is where she met her beloved husband, Richard Allen. Both graduated and went on to become very successful in their own right. Pat became the Chief Pharmacist at Children’s Hospital in Detroit, and Richard opened the Allen Pharmacy in Southgate, MI on Eureka Road.

After her tenure at the hospital, Pat went on to help Richard at their pharmacy until they retired in the late 90s. But, while all this was happening, they still managed to start a family and had their daughter Lynn and son Jon. Both children kept Pat and Richard very busy! But, the four of them definitely made one happy family. As a happy family, they would often go sailing on their boat called the YOHO, which was Pat’s greatest passion. The whole family, including the grandchildren, would travel all over Lake Erie and end up where Mother Nature and the wind would take them. If Pat wasn’t sailing, she could often be found with one of several horses she owned throughout the years.

Family ski trips with not only her husband and children but with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law and their children were another great pastime for Pat. And another huge passion was attending U of M football games. She and Richard went to the “Big House” for many decades. And when the games were played away, you could count on Pat being parked in front of the TV rooting on her favorite team. Pat and Richard even managed to attend the Rose Bowl in California one year when Michigan was playing, a trip of a lifetime. Other hobbies included being a Girl Scout Camper, volunteering to make mini-Christmas Trees and wreaths at St. James Church on Grosse Ile for the Christmas holidays, and volunteering at the Grosse Ile Museum in her spare time. As you can see, Pat was a very busy, talented woman who did not let the grass grow under her feet. She made the most of life and was cherished by all those who crossed paths with her. We will definitely miss her vibrant smile and charm but look forward to the day we will see her again.

Memorial Contributions are appreciated to Alzheimer’s Association.