Esther Mae Allen

Esther Mae Christmas Allen, our cherished mother, aged 94, peacefully entered the arms of her Savior on January 27, 2025, at home in Albany, Oregon, following a brave battle with a long illness.

Born on January 23, 1931, in Pittsford, Vermont, to Bertram Joseph Christmas and Cynthia Emeline Smith, Esther’s journey began during the Great Depression when her family moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts. She graduated from Charlestown High School and started her career at the Bradford Novelty Company before relocating to Amarillo, Texas, where she contributed her talents to the Camel Candy Factory.

As a devoted wife to Lesley “Pete” Allen, Esther was an integral part of his construction business. Her love for Bible studies inspired her to actively teach in Child Evangelism Bible Clubs, and she was a dedicated Sunday school teacher in various Baptist churches in Amarillo. Esther had a remarkable talent for bringing family together around home-cooked dinners, enjoying games of Scrabble, and tackling dominos and puzzles. She treasured her annual family camping trips to New Mexico, instilling in her children the invaluable lessons of nature, togetherness, and resilience.

Esther is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lesley “Pete” Allen, as well as her siblings: Bertram Christmas Jr., Charles Edward Christmas, David Smith Christmas, and Evelyn Louise Christmas Pellow. She is survived by her siblings, Walter James Christmas (Paddy) and Cynthia Christmas Dennehy, along with her loving children: Virginia “Jenny” Kelly (Terry), James Allen (Lynda), Debra Foster, Katherine Inman (Mike), Mark Allen (Julie), and Cynthia Conn (Bill). Her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always hold dear the immense love she shared. Our family deeply appreciates the compassionate care provided by Cindy, Bill, and Brittany Conn during Esther's final years.

A private family service will be held to commemorate her life and recognize the impact she had on those who knew her.