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Karen Denise Allen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 26, 2025.

Karen Denise Allen, born on July 27, 1964, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Irvine, California, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Originally from North Carolina, Denise later made Southern California her home, where she embraced life with a radiant smile and an undeniable zest. Her warmth and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Denise's love for the ocean, especially Crystal Cove, reflected her expansive heart and her deep appreciation for nature's beauty.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Dustin Michael Santana of Huntington Beach, California; her mother, Sandra Burris; her stepfather, Steve Burris; her father, Tony Allen; her stepmother, Sherry Allen; her brother, Michael Allen; her sister, Pamela Causby; and her stepbrothers, Marty Burris and Todd Burris.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Community Pentecostal Center, located at 320 Ralph Hansel Blvd., Stanley, NC 28614.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Surfrider Foundation's South OC Beach Cleanups initiative to honor Denise's passion for the ocean and her dedication to preserving its beauty.

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

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Recent Activity

January 30, 2025

Michael To posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2025

Sharon McGuigan Pence posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2025

Jillian Porter posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Michael To

January 30, 2025

Denise was a fighter until the end. She will be missed dearly and we will never forget her contributions to UCI. Proud to have worked along side her and have her show me the ropes when I first started. Condolences to the family.

Sharon McGuigan Pence

January 28, 2025

So many memories from so very long ago when we were so very young! We were rockin Van Halen, screaming down I85, heading to Atlanta! Then, rockin with the guys we were dating from the cover band at the grimmy little hole in the wall bar! We were roommates in Charlotte with our first jobs; you, just fresh out of college! Oh my! The times we had! We were at Myrtle Beach with Todd and Steve and so sure that those first real loves would last forever! Thank you my lovely Denise for the good times! Thank you for being a big part of a wonderful time long, long ago! You made a difference!
Friends Forever, Sharon

Jillian Porter

January 28, 2025

Sandra,
It took my breath away to see this. Thinking about you and your family. The heartbreak. Denise´s loss is immeasurable. So many people are grieving with and for you. A testament to how Denise lived her life. She loved and lived unapologetically with incredible kindness. You raised a beautiful soul. Her light always shined so brightly. Sending love your way. Jill

Fred Bockmiller

January 27, 2025

K. Denise Allen is how I knew her. We worked together for a number of years at University of California, Irvine. She was a sweet person and she made my work simpler and easier. May she rest in peace.