Grace Laumata Allen

In Loving Memory of Grace Laumata Solomon - Allen
1949 - 2025
The world lost a remarkable soul on March 12, 2025, when Grace Laumata Solomon-Allen departed this life in Gorman, Texas. A woman of extraordinary warmth, unwavering devotion, and boundless love, Grace leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and a family deeply enriched by her presence.
Grace was born on June 4, 1949, in the tropical beauty of American Samoa, to Samuel Solomon and Henrietta Marie Wulf-Solomon. She was raised in a home overflowing with love, faith, and the joyful chaos that comes with a large family, surrounded by ten beloved siblings. Her childhood in American Samoa was one of deep familial bonds, island traditions, and the simple pleasures of community, faith, and laughter. The rhythms of the island shaped her, instilling in her a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the importance of caring for those around her.
At the age of 12, Grace's family moved to Long Beach, California, a transition that brought new experiences and opportunities. She quickly adapted to her new life, embracing the culture, making friends with ease, and excelling in school. She graduated from Poly High School in Long Beach, a bright and spirited young woman with the world ahead of her.
It was in Long Beach that fate intervened, bringing into her life the man who would become her greatest love. Mark Allen, a young sailor stationed nearby with the U.S. Navy, happened to be her neighbor. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable spark between them-a love so instantaneous and consuming that within a year, they were inseparable. On August 19, 1972, Grace and Mark vowed to share a lifetime together, beginning a marriage that was not only built on love but on a profound friendship and an unbreakable partnership. They were each other's confidants, adventurers, and greatest sources of joy. To know one was to know the other, for they were rarely apart.
Their journey together was filled with adventure, laughter, and devotion. They welcomed children into their world, and Grace embraced motherhood with a fierce and unwavering love. She devoted herself entirely to raising her children, ensuring they were nurtured, supported, and deeply loved. When her children were old enough to attend school, she found a way to extend that motherly care beyond her own household. She joined the Keller School District as a cafeteria worker, where her warmth and generosity made her beloved by all the children she served. Kids gravitated toward her naturally, drawn by her infectious spirit and kind heart. She had a way of making every child feel special, ensuring that no one was left out or forgotten.
Grace was not only a loving mother but an extraordinary grandmother, a role she cherished with all her heart. She was "Grandma" to not only her own grandchildren but to anyone fortunate enough to be a part of the extended family. Her presence was magnetic-filled with laughter, affection, and the kind of unconditional love that made all feel welcome.
She had a special gift for the kitchen, and her baking was legendary. Her cakes, lovingly prepared and always in high demand, were just one of the many ways she showed her love. And while she could bake with the best of them, she was equally famous for her culinary prowess-her pork schnitzel was unrivaled, a family favorite that brought everyone to the table. Her frugality with food was a well-known family trait, often the subject of affectionate teasing. She simply could not bear to see anything wasted, a value deeply rooted in her island upbringing.
One of Grace's most endearing and humorous quirks was her passion for fishing. She had no tolerance for the concept of "catch and release." Any fish caught within her family immediately belonged to her-no exceptions. If someone dared to throw one back, they would surely face the wrath of what her family jokingly called "The Fish Nazi," a nickname borrowed from the beloved Seinfeld character. It was a running family joke, one of many that filled her home with laughter.
Grace and Mark lived a life full of adventure. Together, they traveled the world, making memories in every corner of the country and beyond. They visited every state in the U.S., including Alaska, embracing the wonders of each place with excitement. Whether they were camping under the stars or later traveling in their RV, they found joy in every experience. They loved casinos and playing cards with family, where Grace-self-proclaimed as the "best cheater ever"-would gleefully make up rules to ensure her victory. Her mischievous sense of humor was one of her most endearing qualities, always keeping everyone on their toes.
A woman of strong convictions, Grace was a steadfast Republican, passionate in her beliefs and unafraid to stand firm in them. But above all, she was a woman of deep love. She worried endlessly about Mark, always putting his well-being above her own. Her heart was enormous, and her capacity to love was limitless.
Grace leaves behind a family that adored her, a family forever shaped by her love. She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Allen, who was the love of her life; her children, Scott Bernard, Todd Allen and his wife Tami, Matt Allen and his wife Dianna, Brian Allen and his wife Shelley, and Robert Allen; her cherished grandchildren, Tanner, Morgan and her husband Robert, Bella, Ethan and his wife Joanna, Evan, and Maxwell; her great-grandchildren, Richard, Lilly, Preslea and Maci; and her beloved siblings, Mary and Ernest. Though their hearts are heavy, they find solace in the countless memories she left behind.
She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Samuel and Henrietta, and eight of her dear siblings, who surely welcomed her home with open arms.
Grace's life will be honored with a public visitation on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Roberts Martinez Funeral Chapel in Haltom City, Texas, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Family, friends, and all who were touched by her love are invited to come together to celebrate a woman whose life was a beautiful testament to love, laughter, and devotion.
Though Grace is no longer physically present, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her laughter echoes in the hearts of those who knew her, and her love remains a guiding force for her family. She was a light in this world, and though she is gone, that light will never fade.
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