Mary Katherine Allen

ALLEN, Mary Katherine - Age 68, of Fenton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024. In accordance with Mary’s wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Homes, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan. Funeral Service will begin immediately after the Visitation at 1:00 PM. For those desiring and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Brain Tumor Association https://www.abta.org/ in her memory and on behalf of her sister are appreciated.

Mary was born on May 18, 1956 in Flint, Michigan to Dale and Winifred (Saum) Schober, the second of four children. Her family moved to Fenton, Michigan in 1968 and she graduated from Fenton High School in 1974. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University, an alma mater she remained proud of her entire life. 

She worked at General Motors Service Parts Operations for 32 years before retirement, where she held various roles in Finance, Supplier Management, and ACDelco Product Development, forming countless friendships along the way.

Remaining a proud Fenton resident, Mary often supported local businesses and enjoyed dining out at various establishments in town. An avid traveler, she traversed Michigan extensively throughout her life, spending time especially in the Upper Peninsula and Lewiston. Through her work at General Motors she was able to visit Japan, Korea, Brazil and Australia, and briefly lived in Shanghai, China. She also had a fondness for Las Vegas, loving cards and playing games in general.

Mary prided herself as a hostess, enjoying cooking, decorating her house, and entertaining family and friends. She was generous with her home and the door was always open for all, including the friends of her children. She possessed an active interest in culture, remaining a constant reader and theater enthusiast. She loved cinema and meticulously researched the next film on her list to watch. Later in life she gained a passion for quilting, attending classes and exercising her creativity in the form of beautiful gifts for her family and friends.

Mary was a vibrant, thoughtful, and loving person. To meet her was to be immediately touched by her bright and sensitive personality. She invited conversation and fellowship with everyone she met, and never hesitated with her generosity and kindness. Prevailing throughout her life was a deep love for her family, and she was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren, supporting them however she could.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gary Allen, children Jon (Angie) Foley, Erin (Adam) Turner, and Lauren Foley, siblings Dale (Julie) Schober and Lisa (Schober) Rieser, grandchildren Stella Turner, Peggy Foley, Joseph (Joey) Turner, and Henry Foley, special nieces, nephews and cousins, and many former colleagues and friends including Kristin Hayes, Tammy Baumdraher, and Nolan Moiles. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Dale Schober and Winifred (Saum) Schober, and her beloved sister Anne (Schober) Liedel.