Nancy Patricia (Pat) Allen, 90, passed away peacefully from natural causes on January 25, 2019, at Beehive Homes of Helena. Pat was born to Sarah and Archie Carter on September 18, 1928 at the Carter Ranch homestead, in the Lone Pine Hills of Ekalacka Montana. Pat spent many treasured hours of her childhood riding for miles in the Lone Pine Hills on her beloved horse “Molly”.
During the school year she stayed with her Grandmother in town. In those early days there were no school buses and it could mean a 10 mile walk in deep snow and frigid weather to get to school. She spoke often about the times she spent with her Grandmother as being some of the best moments of her life.
Pat moved with her family to Albany Oregon in 1942 and attended Albany High School. She held various jobs while living in Albany. Two of her favorite jobs were cashiering at the local movie theatre and working the soda fountain at the Payless Drug store.
This is where she met her future husband the love of her life, Glenn Louis Allen in 1949. Glenn had recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a business degree and served in the US Navy during WW II where he was a Lieutenant stationed in Hilo, Hawaii. They married in 1952 and moved to Portland Oregon in 1958 to begin a new career in the Long-term care industry.
Pat and Glenn owned several long-term care facilities in the Portland, Oregon area. In 1972, the Allen’s built and started the first Retirement home in Portland. This is where Pat took on the role as the manager and ran the family business until 1993.
The Allen’s were pioneers in the Long-term care industry by developing the concept of the “continuum of care” where the elderly could age in place. Pat moved to Helena in 2004 to be closer to her daughter and family. Gardening was a passion for Pat.
Every year she would have beautiful Dahlias and vegetables abundant. She loved making zucchini bread for her family and neighbors. Pat also, enjoyed bowling, golfing, reading, fishing in Baja, and dancing (she once won a twist contest in the 60’s).
She also enjoyed collecting ceramic clowns, hummals and plates. She would say “every clown has a different story to tell” and that is why she loved them. In the summer she would enjoy entertaining and having what she would famously call her “pool parties” with her family and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her sister (Carolie), brother (Ronald), father and mother and husband Glenn and son Charles (Chuck). Pat is survived by her daughter Gayla (Julian), daughter in law Tessie, grandson Colin and grand-daughters Sarah and Michelle. Pat will be laid to rest next to her husband Glenn and son Chuck at Willamette Cemetery in Portland Oregon.
The family wishes to gratefully thank the staff of Beehive Homes-house #13 for all the care, patience and attention they provided my mother. Thank you specifically, Britney, Jordan, Sam, Jackie and Jamie. Also, the family would like to thank the team at St. Peter’s Health Hospice for your professionalism and compassion.
You are the “best” and it has been a pleasure having you on board to care for mom. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Nancy Patricia “Pat” Allen please visit our Sympathy Store.
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