Aug. 25, 1949 - March 15, 2009

Brenda was born in Bend. She spent the first five years of her life on a farm outside of Tumalo. The family then moved to Yoncalla and then to Creswell before settling in Corvallis when she was 9 years old.

Brenda graduated from Corvallis High School in 1967. She then went to Oregon State University, where she earned a degree in education. She went on to earn a registered nurse's degree at Linn-Benton Community College. Later in life, she took accounting courses at Linn-Benton Community College and obtained her tax preparation certificate while employed with H&R Block.

She lived in Blythe, Calif., and Lakeview, where she worked as a nurse and also at the senior centers.

Brenda discovered that her love of people and gift of gab helped her even with the most difficult personalities.

She volunteered her time for the Lions Club and 4-H auction of Benton County and also the Forest Grove Senior Center.

Brenda was a John F. Kennedy memorabilia buff. She also collected cups and saucers. She was an avid cribbage and Skip-bo player and won many cribbage tournaments.

Brenda's favorite flower was her father Lee Allen's "Old English Tea Roses."

Even though she endured many health issues, she maintained her beautiful smile and twinkling eyes.

Brenda is survived by her two sisters, Glenda Allen of Corvallis and Priscilla Van Dyke of Blythe, Calif.; one brother, Wilson Allen of Tempe, Ariz.; numerous nieces and nephews; and aunt Rose Kraft of Corvallis. Her parents preceded her in death.

As requested by Brenda, her family will take her ashes to the ocean. There will be a simple memorial service at Avery Park in Corvallis at the Lions Club Shelter, at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Corvallis Lions Club.