Obituary of Edwinna Evelyn Allan

IN MEMORY EDWINNA EVELYN ALLAN Edwinna Evelyn Christ was born to Carlie Daniels Christ and Emanuel Christ in Oxford, Nebraska. As a young girl, she and her older sister Ellouise moved to Burlington, Washington after their mother married Carrol Kelly. Mom made friends and had a nurturing and imaginative childhood. Edwinna went to college in Bellingham, Washington and met William Grady Allan, on the library steps. In 1934 they married and two years later twins, Bill and Judy were born. Our family moved to Everett and then to Anacortes Washington where Dad was stationed as Coast Guard Captain of the Port. The next move was to St. Augustine, Florida where her husband went to officer's training school. When Edwinna was asked what part of her life she enjoyed the most she always said the years of WWII. Times were exciting, as the country was in an upheaval of movement, friendships were fast and deep. Families and friends had a common cause in the war effort in spite of different backgrounds. Families were close as husbands and fathers went off to war. Dad was in the South Pacific on a ship for over a year. She stayed in contact with her new friends by letters and cards for the rest of her life. When the war ended Edwinna and her husband moved to Richland, Washington where their children graduated from high school. Dad worked in administration for the Richland School District and Mom worked in the G. E. Library in Hanford so that she could save money for our college education. Eventually they settled in San Jose and the Santa Cruz, California to be near their grandchildren and Dad became a Professor at SJSU. Years after her husband's passing in 1987, Edwinna would often comment on how he wouldn't recognize her now as she had become so independent. She could now manage her own finances, drive a car and travel on her own. At age 79, she and a lady friend went on cruise in the Caribbean where she met Wilfred Phillips who would eventually become her "Partner In Life". They loved each other and were inseparable in their remaining 18 years together. They lived in Sonoma and were socially quite active. Wilfred died in May 2012 at age 99. Mom had now lost her best friend and became increasingly at peace with her life. She died several months later at age 97. Our mother was artistic, she loved to paint and write journals. She always made up stories. "The Vinegar Lady", was my favorite. Each night she told us another chapter of the Vinegar Lady's travels and friendships with her animal friends (she lived in a vinegar bottle). Mom kept lists of all the schools we went to, houses where we lived, cars they owned , jobs they had, and sent cards and letters to her many friends around the country. She was kind, loyal, consistent and taught us to think and take responsibility for ourselves. She never complained and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She appreciated individuality and thought it made people special. In her last days she kept saying, "I love my family". Thanks Mom, we felt it all of our lives. Edwinna is survived by her children, Judy Allan Brothers, William G. Allan and their spouses, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her husband William Grady Allan preceded her in death as well as a grandson, Jesse Allan. A Private Celebration by the family will be held. Judy Brothers, Daughter My Mom Early Years - We were living on the east coast during the later part of World War II, while Dad was in the Pacific. Each evening mom, my sister Judy and I would take turns holding the antenna wire on our small radio to hear the news of the war, waiting for our dad to come home. Our treat once a week - was a nearby cafe that had good macaroni and cheese and we would get to play, "Don't Fence Me In", by the Andrew Sisters, on the jukebox (sometimes twice). Our entertainment was asking mom to tell us stories of her goofy childhood, a thousand times. I think over the years, we asked for these stories a thousand times more. Later Years - Mom loved when the family could get together for a Holiday. In her sweet mind, the turkey was always moist and all had acknowledged - what a wonderful family we have. As with most women of her generation, a hairdo was most important. She certainly had her own and kept it that way at all times. In the last few years, having to rest most of the time, it was impossible to keep that look. Her hair grew naturally straight and long and not a grey strand, she was so proud of that. How beautiful and elegant she looked. At the end, she was so proud of us and loved us so much, as we did her. I believe she understood that all could be given, and all that could be received had been received and she was at peace. William Allan, Son