M. Elizabeth (Libbie) Allen

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Libbie Allen (M. Elizabeth Allen), passed away on the 1st of April, 2024, after a courageous battle against several illnesses over the past 6 months. Libbie passed peacefully and quietly at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, in Tualatin Oregon, after having many friends and loved ones come and bless her with love and support!

Libbie was born in Portland, Oregon on September 23rd, 1947 to parents Margaret (O’Brien) and A. Richard (Dick) Allen. The middle of 3 children, Libbie shared her rise to adulthood with her older brother Michael, and her younger sister Maggie (Baker). She attended Lincoln High School just down the hill from her home near Washington Park, and briefly attended the University of Oregon before being "swept off her feet” (as she fondly put it) by a young Marine, Jack Gulick. Libbie and Jack married in 1966, and after relocating to Oahu, Hawaii, the two brought into the world Libbie’s only son Stephen in 1967. The Marine Corps moved the family again to Memphis, TN, then to Yuma, AZ, where Jack then left the service, and the family wound up in Medford, OR. The couple ended their marriage there, but Libbie grew new wings and transformed her life into one of continued service to the many communities she found herself in over the next many years.

Moving herself and her son back to Portland, Libbie began a career in banking, with U.S. Bank, where she worked for 13 years. Libbie left banking in 1980 to jump into the growing electronics industry, and also managed to complete her bachelor’s degree in marketing! During this time, she also fostered her amazing surrogate daughter, Kim from Vietnam, creating a life-long bond which Libbie cherished beyond measure until her passing. Finding new adventure in the booming computer industry, Libbie moved to Sunnyvale, CA. After many years soaking up the sun in California, and despite falling in love with the San Jose ballet, Libbie returned to Portland and helped with her aging parents until their death in Dec. of 1997. Libbie then moved to Cannon Beach, the place where she really connected with the most, and helped grow and participate in the many amazing communities there! Ultimately, the cost of living full-time in her favorite community was not sustainable and she moved again back to Portland.

Living in Portland again, Libbie renewed her love and support for the Holy Trinity Church parish community. After “officially” retiring, but never one to stay idle, Libbie continued to work part-time helping the children at various schools in Portland as a Special Education Aide and Classroom Assistant.

Libbie loved word games and other board games (any game, really!). She also loved amazing art and creative creations, the outdoors, and spent countless days camping, hiking, fishing, playing various sports, and numerous other activities with her family and friends.

Libbie is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Sarah, and her fostered daughter Kim and her husband Huy, and Libbie’s five grandchildren: Katherine, Anna, Robert, Joseph, and Vivian; along with her brother Michael and sister Maggie and both of their families.

Libbie’s funeral is planned for 11am on the 11th of April, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with a reception to follow downstairs. In leu of flowers, the family requests you make a charitable donation to either:

The Franciscan Spiritual Center:

https://www.francisspctr.com/giving-back

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America:

https://raisedonors.com/myasthenia/donatenow

or your favorite Animal or Wildlife organization.