Patricia C. Allen died peacefully on Sunday, February 9th with her family by her side.
Born January 4, 1933 to Frederic Carl and Lois Crystal Murphy in St. Paul, MN, Patricia was the oldest of three girls. All of her childhood stories revolved around her idol and grandma, Jennie Murphy and her sisters, Marilyn and Carol. A true optimist, she captured her favorite stories and recollections in her Book of Memories, honoring Jennie’s wishes to keep the family’s history alive.
A hard worker, Pat possessed an amazing work ethic. During the war she would pull her wagon around the neighborhood collecting items she could exchange for cash or food. As soon as she was old enough, she got a job at the local grocery. One of her favorite childhood jobs was working at the Orpheum Theater.
Proud of her Irish Catholic upbringing, Pat never shied from telling stories of her antics attending Sacred Heart Church and School and Sister Silesia. During high school, Pat excelled at the sciences, earned a letter in sports, and was voted prom queen. She graduated from Harding High School in 1950 with aspirations of becoming a nurse.
Despite her hard work and good grades, Pat was denied admittance into college due to an inability to afford the tuition. Never one to dwell on setbacks, Pat quickly sought out another option, the trades. Starting in the steno pool at the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) Company, Pat applied for an opening in the printing department. Thinking that Pat Murphy was a man, management selected her application for the journeymen printer apprentice position beginning Pat’s career as a printer.
In 1952, Pat was selected as a candidate for Snow Queen for the annual St. Paul Winter Carnival. On October 5, 1952 Pat met Charles R. Allen, a handsome young airman. Charles quickly won her heart and the two married on April 11, 1953.
After the birth of their daughter Charlotte “Chary” in 1954 the young family moved to Germany where Charles was stationed. While in Germany, son Michael “Mike” was born in 1955.
After returning from Germany, Charles was sent to Great Falls, Montana and then to Rantoul, Illinois. Not wanting to move the kids around any more, Pat told Charles that she was staying in the next place he was stationed. In 1957 Charles and Pat returned to Great Falls, MT where they would remain until 1973.
While in Great Falls, their family expanded with the birth of son Joseph “Joey” in 1959 and daughter Patricia “Patty” in 1972.
Unable to get a full time job at any of the local print shops because she was a woman, Pat used her sewing skills to make costumes and other specialty clothing orders.
In 1967, Pat opened Western Steno Printing, which she operated until 1974. Always civically involved, she was active in the Great Falls VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and was a founding member of the Great Falls Ad Club and the Charlie Russell Art Auction.
In 1981 Pat moved to Billings where she began a career with Billings Public Schools. After her retirement in 1995, Charles and Pat moved to Helena. When Charles died in 1997, Pat went to work at Dillards. She was active in the Red Hat Society, Sweet Adelines, the Senior Center, and enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Mary’s.
Most will remember her as Grandma Pat from her time at Home Depot where she greeted everyone with a story and the insistence that they take a piece of candy.
A lifelong learner, Pat enjoyed taking classes and learning new crafts. She took up quilting in her late 60s, earning a blue ribbon at the Last Chance Stampede for her first quilt. In her 70s she began taking classes at Carroll College. In her early 80s she decided to learn wood carving. After a fall left her unable to carve, she took up Diamond Art, a craft she enjoyed until weeks before her passing.
Her last 23 years were devoted to her grandchildren and best friends: Joseph, Jacob and Jordyn. She loved babysitting them, going to school functions, sporting events, ballet performances, and carting them around in her white Oldsmobile. The four shared a special bond.
Mom was a tough as nails beauty queen who did things her way. With an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up a room, she encouraged everyone to choose joy rather than focusing on the negative. Pat packed a lot of living into her 92 years. She embraced life, was always up for an adventure and embodied the phrase “Choose happiness.”
Pat is survived by her children: Charlotte (Dan) Majerus, Michael (Fran) Allen, and Patricia (Dennis) Spencer; grandchildren: Paxton (Pavlina) Allen, Jodi (Kris) Delaney, Casey (Teresa) Majerus, Brittany (Tyler) Crone, Joseph, Jacob and Jordyn Spencer; and six great grand children: Madeline and Saturn Delaney, Althea and Eloise Majerus, Grayson and Lydia Crone; numerous nieces and nephews including Donna, John, Joe Bjoraker and Tony (Mary) Pontrelli.
Pat was preceded in death by her son Joseph Allen, husband Charles, sisters Marilyn and Carol, and her parents.
The family would like to thank the Headwaters Hospice for making Mom’s final days so comfortable.
A Funeral Mass is set for 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2025 at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., with a reception to follow the Mass at the church. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison at 3:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 24, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Mass
Monday February 24, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Monday February 24, 2025
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 24, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
Following the Mass
Monday February 24, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Monday February 24, 2025
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Deb Kralicek says
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Was always enjoyable to visit with. Taught me how to make beautiful bows for baskets. She shared many stories of her life. Great lady.
Laurie House says
My condolences to the family. I am so happy to have had the the pleasure of knowing Pat. She always had a smile and a laugh to share! She will be greatly missed.
Shawna Donaldson says
I knew Pat through the senior center. She was a wonderful lady who was always cheerful and smiling. She loved to have fun and always brightened my day when she came. She was missed when she could no longer get out to come to the center. May she rest in peace.
Karolyne Redding says
So sorry for your loss. Loved visiting with Pat. She always had a story to tell and a big smile for everyone.
Jeannine Stallings says
Patricia and family. Got to know your mom through you, when we worked at AZ together. You were so close with your mom and you loved having her in your life and in the lives of your children. After AZ we would loved seeing your mom at Home Depot where we would have a nice little visit catching up. Always looked forward to seeing her. So sorry she is gone but someday you’ll all be together again and what a grand reunion it will be. Sending prayers and hugs your way.