Elizabeth "Betty" Hannah Allen

Betty was born in Hayward, California, the daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Lucey) Keegan. She had 4 siblings - Joseph Christopher (1930-1933), Denis James (1932-1981), Marie Nora Samuells (1934 to present), and John William (1938-2012). They were raised in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco and Betty graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1953.

She met her husband of 60 years, Richard R. Allen at a USO dance in San Francisco. They married in 1956 and moved to Fresno a few years after. She worked at Jensen and Pilegard as a secretary while Rick attended college. Upon his graduation, she decided she wanted to pursue a degree as well. She attended Fresno City College and then Fresno State University while raising her daughter and doing volunteer work at their parish – St. Paul Newman Center. She was instrumental in getting the religious education program started there. Betty graduated in 1976 with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and worked for many years as a speech pathologist for Fresno County Public Schools. Attending school later in life has inspired many of her daughter’s friends and other young mothers to return to school later in life. During this time, they lived on Donner Avenue in Fresno, filled with many years of great fun and food with neighbors.

Upon her retirement in 1998, Rick and Betty moved to Oakhurst California where they enjoyed their mountain life. In Oakhurst, Betty was an active volunteer at Our Lady of the Sierra Catholic Church. She was a member of the Women’s Guild, a greeter at mass, a homebound companion, and helped in the religious education program. She was a long-time treasurer and weekly volunteer for the Sierra Meadowlarks. She could also be found walking the trails near their home. Although her primary hobby was volunteering, she did enjoy working in their garden, stitchery, and reading. Betty took great joy in her grandchildren and would visit them often where ever they were living in the country.

When Rick passed away in 2016, Betty decided to move to Fresno to be nearer to her daughter and family. Betty moved into Sunrise Senior Living, eventually moving into the Reminiscence Neighborhood (memory care) of that facility. She is mostly remembered there for always having a smile on her face as she walked the halls and gardens throughout the day, and some nights too.

Betty is survived by her daughter - Cathy White, Son-in-law - Smokey White, and two grandsons – Nick White and Alex White, both of Studio City, California. She is also survived by her sister Marie Samuells (McKinney, TX), sister-in-law Judy Stine (Fairfield, CA), and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Sunrise and St. Agnes Hospice for the love and care they provided Betty and her family during Betty’s final days. They would also like to thank the family and friends that provided all kinds of support and prayers during the years. Although any form of dementia slowly takes away the person, the family still grieves at the final passing. Betty will always be remembered for her smile, her joy, and her helpful nature. Rest In Peace Betty – enjoy dancing with Rick again in heaven.

Memorial Mass, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - 10:00 A.M.

355 East Champlain Drive, Fresno, Ca., 93730

Live streaming of the Funeral mass will be available during the service at Holyspiritfresno.org.

This will also be recorded for future viewing.

Graveside Service, San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery,

Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 1:00- P.M. - 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California, 95322

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poverello House or Barbells for Boobs (this organization helped keep her daughter physically and mentally strong so that she could attend to Betty). Links are provided below. Please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Betty.

• Poverello House:[email protected]

Please note “In memory of Betty Allen” in donation.

• Barbells for Boobs: campaign.forboobs.org/CathyWhite

Please note “In memory of Cathy’s mom” in donation.