Catherine Goddard "Katy" Allen

1934 - 2012

Catherine Goddard "Katy" Allen obituary, 1934-2012

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE

Bellevue, Washington

Catherine Goddard Allen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 30, 2012.

Catherine (Katy) Goddard Allen was born on March 4, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA to Homer and Jeannette Goddard joining her older brother Jerry. She died on October 29th, 2012 at the age of 78 after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Katy was a curious and adventurous child and eschewed convention at an early age. She attended Dennison College in Ohio, later moving to the University of Arizona where she graduated with honors in education. She took her first teaching job in Salt Lake City, Utah where she was enchanted by the handsome tenor Wesley Allen, a medical student at the University of Utah, whilst singing in the Methodist Church choir. On their first date she met him at the front door and asked him to take out the garbage while she finished dressing. Within the year they were married; after moving to California daughters Genia and Julie were born, followed by Elizabeth in Oklahoma, and in La Grande, Oregon Phil and David completed her family. They settled in La Grande where Katy and Wes raised the five children, and she was actively involved in The Methodist Church, PEO, CASA, teaching piano, and special education. After 40 years in La Grande, Katy and Wes moved to Kalispell, Montana to be close to their daughters, finally settling in Redmond, Washington to be close to their son.

Katy possessed an unrestrained sense of humor, was wildly unconventional, a passionate advocate for the underdog, and was deeply devoted to her family and friends. Her energy was exhibited in cheerful whistling, rapping out rhythm's on any available surface, and the singing of nonsensical, spontaneous tunes. As a mother, she was nurturing, kept a welcoming house hold with an open-refrigerator-policy, and loved to tease visitors by occasionally beating them with loaves of bread or assigning unappealing household chores. Katy enjoyed entertaining and threw frequent costume and dinner parties, drawing together a diverse group of people. Uninhibited in even the most formal of settings, she loosened people up, got them laughing, and brought out their playfulness with her antics.

Music played a central part in Katy's life. She grew up singing with her mother and father, and later performed with Wes and their children in many public events. Though not a Mormon, she sang with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, was involved with musical theater, and sang with the Methodist Church Choir. Katy spent hours at the piano singing, composing music and teaching lessons.

Despite her physical limitations, Katy relished the world travels her condition would allow. She did not want her illness to define her and rejected the perception that she had limitations. One of her most remarkable characteristics was her indomitable will. Whether it was refusing the aid of a wheelchair, or enduring numbers of treatments, she fought to maintain her independence – sometimes to the chagrin of others who knew better. She was blessed by the companionship and kindness of family, friends and caregivers.

Katy is survived by her brother Jerry Goddard; devoted husband Dr. Wesley Allen; children Genia (Kevin), Julie (Dave), Beth (Doug), Phil (Cathy), David, and 13 grandchildren whom she adored.

A celebration of life was held in Redmond Washington. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx, or the Emerald Heights Benevolence Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Goddard Allen

What is your first memory of Catherine Goddard?

Share a favorite memory you have of Catherine Goddard.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Catherine Goddard.

Describe a time when Catherine Goddard made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Catherine Goddard?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Catherine Goddard.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Catherine Goddard.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Catherine Goddard.

What is something you learned from Catherine Goddard?

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

November 15, 2012

GOD BLESS BOTH KATY AND DR. ALLEN. WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO HELPED SHAPE ME INTO THE PERSON I AM. VERY FOND MEMORIES OF BOTH. LOVE RUTH WOOD BRISTOW.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Catherine Goddard Allen's name

Memorial Events
for Catherine Goddard Allen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007

How to support Catherine Goddard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Catherine Goddard Allen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more