MARY JOSEPHINE ALLEN

ALLEN, MARY JOSEPHINE Our beloved mother, grandmother and sister, Mary Josephine Allen, suddenly and unexpectedly left us on September 23, 2010. Born on January 10, 1928, in Los Angeles, Mary, also known as Josie, was one of five children of Ernestine and John Eppley. After graduating from Polytechnic High, Mary became the breadwinner for her family. Within a few years, her son was born and yet she continued to work to support her mother, three brothers and a sister. Mary was the person the family relied and depended upon. She moved them to Lynwood where she lived for almost 50 years. In addition to being a single parent and provider, she was also a professional who had a long successful career as a bookkeeper and supervisor at firms such Familian Pipe and Supply and Jack Rouse and Son Auctioneers. She retired temporarily at age 72, moved to San Diego and then returned to work at Downey Savings in Rancho Bernardo where she rapidly became a Customer Service Supervisor and trainer. Mary was known for her selfless generosity, her independence, her dependability, her intelligence, her wit, and her incredible work ethic. She was proud of her accomplishments, especially having a devoted son and daughter-in-law and a wonderful grandson who married just last year. Mary enjoyed many things such as cooking, gardening, and especially reading. Perhaps most of all, she enjoyed the holidays when all of the family would gather. Each of us was thankful for each holiday we had with her and we know she felt the same. Mary was preceded in death by her brothers John and Richard. She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law Tim Allen and Dr. Yvonne Caballero-Allen of Encinitas, grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Dr. Christopher Allen and Lisa Kelly of San Francisco, her sister Dorothy Eppley of San Diego for whom she was also a best friend, and her brother USMC Lt. Colonel (retired) Arthur Eppley and his wife Terry Eppley of San Jose. Mary passed away at the age of 82 in a car accident that may have been prompted by a medical issue. Just as in the rest of her life, at that moment, she did everything possible to protect others so that no one else was injured. Mary was full of life so it is difficult to believe she is not with us today. She was everything to us and we will miss her deeply. Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary arrangements include visitation and rosary on Thursday, September 30, 2010, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 12 noon.