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Allison Pollock Carpenter Obituary

The world has lost the most generous, beautiful, thoughtful and caring person, Allison Carpenter. To know Allison is to feel God's joy! She always thought of other people first, constantly thinking of what could bring the people around her more joy. Allison always had a flower pinned in her hair, high heels on and her beautiful, caring smile. She made everyone around her feel special and valued and continuously reminded you that she loved you unconditionally.
Allison was born to Astrid Nielsen and Allen Pollock and grew up in Point Loma, going to Sunset Cliffs with her sisters, Annette and Aldine and her favorite brother Niel. She graduated from Point Loma High in 1977, then from UCSD, and obtained her master's degree in education in 1985. During this time, Allison met the "Man of her Dreams" and the love of her life, Hugh Carpenter. They married in 1986 and spent the next 36 years of their marriage like it was their first day.
Allison started her teaching at Fulton Elementary and then moved to La Jolla Elementary. She felt that school should be a joy, where every child feels loved, every minute of every day! Ms. Allison thought that kids should have high level academics to meet each child's highest potential, but have so much fun they didn't realize how much they were learning. Every day she greeted her students at the door, bent on one knee with an animated smile, a tight squeeze and a kiss that left a faded stain of pink lipstick on their cheeks. She believed in expressing gratitude and affection for all people and things and she expected her students to do the same. Ms. Allison would always say, "Thank you, we LOVE you!" She was recognized as "Teacher of the Year" in 1993.
Allison led a life of devotion: to God, Hugh, family, friends, her classroom, and the well-being of human-kind. She and Hugh prayed everyday for everyone they loved and everyone they encountered. They were endlessly generous and never forgot a name, a birthday, a thank you card or something that you had told them. They loved their nieces, nephews and all the kids from K-2 as their own and spread joy throughout the community. During Hughie's battle with cancer, Allison never left his side. Allison and Hugh thought of themselves as one person, inseparable. Their relationship was truly unique in its tenderness and care. They were Angels on earth and now they are together again as Angels in Heaven, still caring and praying for us as they always have. The 4 things Allison would want us all to do are: Love one another, Love God, say "I Love You" to more people, Give more hugs and smiles to everyone!

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Allison Pollock Carpenter

Not sure what to say?





Holly Vallera

January 10, 2025

My family and I are so fortunate that Ms. Allison was our oldest child´s kindergarten teacher. Ms. Allison did so much to melt away any differences that any child had, whether they were fast or slow, tall or small, neurotypical or not, full of joy or aching for happiness. Allison´s legacy is live for all.

Tonya Snyder

February 29, 2024

I worked with Allison at La Jolla Elementary she would always give me kind words of advice and encouragement when I went through tough times. We always spoke about growing up in Point Loma, I would run into Hugh and her at Sunset Cliffs a lot watching the sunset. I miss her and her beautiful words and smile!
Tonya Snyder

Mindy Rosser

May 13, 2023

We absolutely adore Hugh and Allison. They would come and stay with us at Hermosa Hotel on Catalina Island every year, always in cottage H. We will miss them terribly, but we do have relief knowing they are now together.

Our love to the family-

The Malan Family

Carolyn Stewart

March 29, 2023

Allison's whole family were good friends with me and my family. She will be greatly missed. She was always so thoughtful to my mother sending her cute cards as she got older. She truly was an Angel

Ernestine Rae Riner

March 16, 2023

Allison and I worked together at Fulton Elementary, her first contract assignment with SD Unified. She was also my son´s kindergarten teacher and he still remembers her and how kind and loving she was. I was honored to witness the beginnings of her relationship with Hugh and to have hosted a wedding shower for her in my home. Allison was loved and respected by all of her colleagues, parents and students for her generous nature, authenticity and loving nature. She was a gift to all that knew her.

Etnestine Rae Riner

March 15, 2023

I met Allison at her first contracted teaching assignment at Fulton Elementary School. We became such good friends that I was honored to host her wedding shower in my home. My memories of Allison have been surfacing so strongly since I heard of her passing. She was an absolutely loyal friend, amazing and talented teacher and her devotion to her Faith in God was indescribable. My son was in her first kindergarten class and I heard, and observed, her kindness, skill and love on a daily basis. Hugh was such a blessing when he entered her life just as she was a blessing for him.
May she rest in peace, the ultimate peach she so richly deserved. Rae Riner

heather andreuccetti

March 9, 2023

What a massive loss. Truly.
Allison was a force. The first day of kindergarten for our youngest was with the amazing Miss Allison. At first, my husband and I thought she was dressed up for the first day of school. We soon came to see that this was just her! Always dressed so beautifully. Her energy was magnetic. When her husband Hugh became her partner in class, it was just another blessing. Every word they meant. Every hug was given with true love and sincerely.
Their loss on earth is devastating. Thankfully now they are together again in Gods arms

Trudy Campbell

March 5, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to those Allison has left behind, particularly the person who captured most, if not all, of who she was in this obituary. I, myself, can hardly find the words to express my feelings about her when she was here, and now, gone. "She led a life of devotion..to the wellbeing of humankind," was the part of the obituary that touched me the most, because we worked feverishly together to meet the social and academic needs of all our students while taking steps to integrate the school. I loved Allison,and take her words seriously about how she hoped we would live our lives

Rebecca Zolott

March 4, 2023

I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that memories of this wonderful person can be a comfort to you in this most difficult time.

Sally Johnson

March 2, 2023

Allison was truly a beautiful person inside and out. So many people: children, friends, students, parents, colleagues... learned from her and the example she set. Allison will be missed but her legacy lives on.
Sally Johnson

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

The Malvestuto Family

Planted Trees

Wendy Silver

March 1, 2023

Allison was an Angel sent from Heaven! My daughter Brittney was in her kindergarten class 31 yrs ago. I was a single mom and when I was having a rough time I´d stand in line with the kids to get my hug and I love you from Allison. The first day Brittney came home from class she told me her teacher was an Angel. I will forever have a beautiful place in my heart for all the love Allison shared with so many. She touched not only my daughter but myself, to keep on going. We always felt her love now she is flying with the Angels God Bless Allison´s sweet soul and all those she´s left here. She is smiling down on all of us, with a beautiful flower in her hair.
Wendy

Woody

February 28, 2023

So deeply sorry for your loss She was one of a kind and so special. I do believe she was an Angel

Pat Broderick

February 28, 2023

Our daughter, Becky, now 30, loved going to Miss Allison's class at La Jolla Elementary. Allison was so loving and welcoming and inspired a love of learning in her young students. Forever grateful to you!

Lonell and Karen

February 28, 2023

Allison,
We are witnesses to the great love you and Hugh shared with each other and with everyone else that crossed your paths. We experienced that love as our paths crossed. You´re one of a kind. God really smiled on us as he brought you into history and into our lives! Rest in Peace. Karen and Lonell.

Riveroll Family

February 28, 2023

We will be forever grateful for all the love, kindness, hugs, and smiles that Allison and Hugh so generously shared with our family and everyone with whom they came in contact.
Allison was one of a kind, such a precious friend, teacher, and angel on earth that personified love and generosity so beautifully. She taught our family the importance of unconditional love and compassion-the essential things in life. May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in her ear how much we all love and miss her.

Tonya Snyder/Rodrigues

February 28, 2023

Allison was not only beautiful outside but inside. I met her at La Jolla Elementary and after speaking to her often I found out that we both grew up in Point Loma we shared many stories after that. She was always positive and concerned about others she made you feel so special. She will be greatly missed!

Wendy Segall

February 27, 2023

To her family, please share if there is any kind of memorial or service for Allison... In the future... My family would love to be included... We love her very much... Segall family

Hayley Greaves

February 27, 2023

She was my teacher in 96 and I will never forget her, was one of the best teachers and people in this world.

Melissa Alegre

February 26, 2023

I was so very fortunate to have been placed in Ms. Allison´s class to do my student teaching almost 30 years ago. What a blessing! She was one of kind. She had so much love for her students and their families. She shared her knowledge and experience with so many future teachers that were also fortunate to work under her mentorship. Her patience, generosity and genuine love is an inspiration for everyone who has been blessed to have been a part of her life.

Jerry and Nancy McHenry

February 26, 2023

Loving condolences to all of the family. We are so very sorry for the loss of such a beautiful spirit.

Karen Braun

February 26, 2023

I was fortunate enough to have taught with Allison at La Jolla Elementary. She was a fantastic teacher and incredible human being!

Robert Burns

February 26, 2023

I did not know Allison but seem to have been acquainted. I don't like it when people I even somewhat know pass away. I cried over the beauty of her obituary, being from 4 consecutive generations of teachers with many collateral ones. Thank God for her.

Wendy Segall

February 26, 2023

I have only wonderful memories of Allison and my daughter in kindergarten ... she was taken too soon. Our love, forever.. Wendy, Stu Cory and Morgan Segall

Joan Boyle

February 26, 2023

17 years of being the lucky teacher and students to be reading buddies with your class Allison - we enjoyed every moment of being in your circle of love. You are irreplaceable

Bret Patterson

February 25, 2023

Always seeing her smile and saying "Hi" during class changes at PL. Kickin it at Nobes with her and Huey and the rest of the gang. Good times, great memories.

Angela Regan & Family

February 25, 2023

My family will always be forever grateful to have known Ms Allison and Mr Hugh. We were so fortunate to have received their love and caring ways. Heartbroken they have left us, but thankful they are reunited again. Ms Allison, we will miss you forever.

The Weil Family

February 25, 2023

Allison was so loved and will be greatly missed. She will always be in our hearts.

Laure-Anne Parr

February 25, 2023

Forever grateful for the love she and Hugh so generously shared with our whole family. She truly was one of God´s precious angels. A true example of God´s love.

Betty Krycho

February 25, 2023

Sounds like a very beautiful and loving soul. She was my cousin Allen daughter. But never had the pleasure of meeting her. God Rest her Soul.

Single Memorial Tree

Gleason Bacall family

Planted Trees

Bacall-Gleason Family

February 25, 2023

Miss Allison was always an angel, she now has her wings! Her vibrant spirit will
live on in her students ( and parent's).
She will be much missed, sincere condolences from the Bacall family

terri silliman

February 25, 2023

as a young girl - 7 years younger than Lynn - seeing my sister Lynn´s friends, was an introduction to what was to come. I remember Allison clearer than any other of Lynn´s friends. I can see her smile. I can hear her voice. She was always nice to me and treated me with kindness and consideration. As a young one, this made quite an impression on me. I can say that Allison, to me, was one of those people you can hold in your memory, and retrieve, as needed, to remind you of the goodness of people. At times, these are important reminders to have. To know that , no matter your station, appearance, attributes , someone will still look down at you and smile, with a warmth that makes you feel seen. What a gift. Allison was that person to me. I never saw her again after Lynn graduated from point loma high school. But I would hear of her, now and then, through mom or Lynn.
She was a gift to me. I grieve her passing. But I understand. Sometimes pain is too much to bear.
But she will always be that nice, young teenager to me - smiling down and seeing me, a 9- 10 year old taking it all in and finding the good, guiding lights.

She was that person to me. And always will be. In my heart.

Kelly Rickon Mitchell

February 24, 2023

I´ve known Allison since high school and spent many years in a bible study with her. She packed more in a day than anyone I ever knew. We were in the food line at Forest Home and she would be writing birthday cards and notes to friends. When my Mom passed, we found that she had kept all of Alison´s notes to her-all expressing love and good wishes. It was quite a pile!
If anyone is an example of Jesus´s precious love and grace, it was embodied in Allison.
My heart goes out to all of her family-especially Astrid-as we stumble along this life without her shining light. Come to think of it, a light remains even after such an illuminating soul has passed.

Lynn Silliman Reed

February 24, 2023

Well done my good and faithful servant. You will be with me in paradise
Always in my heart
Allison prayed me into the kingdom of believers. She will have many in heaven

Maggie

February 24, 2023

Mrs. Allison, your love is the brightest and I'm so inspired by how many you touched with your sunshine. You created the best childhood memories one could dream of and continued sharing that love with us all as we grew into adults. Your friendship, your fierce and unconditional love, and faith are the best example. I love you forever and I will be praying to you, angel. Sending all the love in the world to all those that loved you, especially your dear family.

Letty Gomez Young

February 24, 2023

My condolences to her Dear ones, Allison the dark night is brighter with your bright light that shines upon us. God bless and rest in bliss with your hubby. You are loved.

Frankie Volk

February 23, 2023

Allison's family has my sincere condolences. Allison was an "angel on earth" to everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Stepanof family

February 23, 2023

Allison was a beautiful person with positive vibes. Her smile and kindness touched many and will be remembered forever.

Robert Tripp Jackson

February 23, 2023

What a beautiful write up. When it remarks ,how she greeted her students when they would arrive at school. She did the same at SWYC for Hugh´s service. The strength and devotion that took since there were hundreds of people . Very special person and the most devoted and loving couple .

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