June 23, 1925 - November 21, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother Drenda Lenora Allen on November 21 at the age of 97 years. She passed away peacefully at Mission Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her two children, Robert (Karen), Lenora (David); grandchildren, Jeff (Jenn), Shelley (Bill), Wade (Julie) and great grandchildren; Jake, Oliver, Ben, Marshall, David and Paul.
Drenda was born at home in Vancouver to Ernest and Annie Stevens. She was the fifth child in a loving family of modest means.
Drenda enjoyed sharing many stories of her early years, of life during the depression years, of attending General Wolf School and of fun times hiking with her dad around the Little Mountain area.
Later, during the war, she left school to work. One of her jobs was for Boeing's as a riveter! After the war in 1945 she married Ronald Lloyd Allen and they settled in Mission to raise their family and build their home. Drenda returned to school to complete her GED and then an Early Childhood Diploma. She took evening classes at the regional college while working days at Mission Daycare.
She and Ron spent many happy years fishing and building their cabin on Young Lake in the Carboo. Drenda was an avid fisherman who loved tying her flies and creating her own lures As a senior she was active in the Legion's Ladies Auxiliary group, Mission Senior's group, Mission senior's Bridge and any Bingo group she could get to!
At the age of ninety she moved from her family home to an assisted living apartment in Carrington House.
Throughout her life Drenda endured many hardships, disappointments and difficulties, however, her focus was always on finding that, "patch of blue sky". Drenda was a creative, strong and independent lady; attributes which continue to inspire us daily. We love her and wish her a well earned rest.
While many of Drenda's friends and so many of her family have now gone, the family wish to thank all the hospital and Fraser Health Care helpers, Carrington House staff and new friends who helped her enjoy her last years.
After cremation, Drenda will rest by her husband Ronald in Hatzic Cemetery. It was her wish to not have a funeral service.