Brenda Lee Allen

Brenda Lee Allen, of Kennewick, returned home on March 13, 2025. She was 60 years old.
She was known for her warmth, kindness, generosity, and the undeniably loving spirit she brought into the world.
Brenda was born at Fort Knox, Kentucky to William Eugene and Linnea Lou (Rose) Allen on August 13, 1964. She grew up in Pennsylvania and Florida. When she was only five years old, her dear father tragically passed because of injuries sustained while serving in Viet Nam.
Brenda graduated Phi Theta Kappa from the College of Central Florida, Ocala, Florida, earning an Associate of Science degree in Radiation Protection Technology. This led her to her career working in the nuclear power industry for over 35 years. Throughout Brenda's career, she worked at three different nuclear power plants: Susquehanna Power Station, Clinton Power Station, and Columbia Generating Station (Energy Northwest) in Richland, WA.
While working at Energy Northwest (ENW), "Brenders" held several positions, including Health Physics (HP) Technician, HP Instructor, HP Craft Supervisor and Quality Monitor. Of the various positions she held at ENW, her fondest memories were providing radiation protection oversight and being an instructor for the HP Technicians. Brenda genuinely cared for the health, safety, and well-being of her co-workers, and she made many life-long dear friends at the plant.
Brenda loved being Mom to her two boys, Brian and Kyle, considering that her greatest accomplishment. She enjoyed being a kid right alongside them as they grew up. She volunteered at Sunset View Elementary School when the boys were young, helping with the Mileage Club and Chess Club.
Brenda learned to snow ski in Vermont, and she loved to ski with her family in the Pacific Northwest. She also enjoyed swimming (especially in the ocean), running, roller skating, and riding her 3-wheeled Spyder motorbike. She liked to support local artists and musicians, frequenting galleries and music venues in the area. She especially loved to learn the history of this area by visiting local museums, exhibitions, and sites.
In April of 2024, Brenda was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Brenda's ability to deal with this progressive disease was remarkable with her gracious acceptance, resolute courage, ever-present positivity, and unyielding strength in handling physical debilitation.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by son Brian Nordhaus and partner Scott Mitchell; son Kyle Nordhaus and wife Guislen (Eager) Nordhaus; sisters Elizabeth (Allen) Smallwood and Barbara Allen; and brother William Allen.
Celebration of life services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday March 18, 2025, at Einan's At Hillcrest, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association, the Union Gospel Mission, or the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.
Brenda's family extends their sincere thanks to: Yvette Moore; the loving Senior Helpers caregivers, Edwina, Lourdes, and Jessina; and Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice workers Cassie, Hillary, Bobbi, and Death with Dignity volunteers.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Einan's at Hillcrest, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, WA.