Kathleen (Sheridan) Allison

Kathleen (Sheridan) Allison, 95, left us on Saturday, August 24th to reunite with her late and beloved husband James and daughter Helen. Though she passed away in Pittsburgh, PA, the loss was felt across the country by all of those her life touched. Kate was born on October 17th, 1928, to Helen Evers and Charles Sheridan in Brooklyn, NY. While she grew up in New York, she always said her life truly started when she met her husband, Jim, at Finnegan’s in Long Island. A proud Marines wife, Kate moved from base to base with their seven children in tow. They never had a lot of money, but they had a lot of fun – and love – and that’s what got them through everything. As Jim served the country, Kate served as an incredible mother, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord. As Jim moved into a career in higher education, Kate continued to support him and their family in every way imaginable. She was not only a loving wife and mother, but a true partner to Jim.

They retired to the Poconos, where they hosted family and friends for holidays, reunions, and parties (Kate’s favorite). In 2005, Kate and Jim were on their way to plan the biggest party yet in celebration of their 50th anniversary, when a tragic car accident took Jim’s life, devastating many, but none more than his loyal and loving partner Kate. While her family and friends assumed the broken heart would take her shortly after the loss of her husband, Kate persevered. She gave her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren almost 20 more years of joy, memories, and laughter. She overcame life’s challenges with her deep sense of faith and the love of her family.

Kate’s legacy lives on through her four sons, James Allison of Philadelphia, Michael Allison of Cincinnati, Dennis Allison of Pittsburgh, and Sean Allison of Montclair, NJ; her two daughters Kathleen Elkadi of Pocono Pines, PA and Mary Nelson of Ocean City, NJ; her eleven grandchildren who will forever affectionately remember her as their Gogo, and her four beloved great grandchildren.

A Catholic mass was held in her honor on Tuesday, August 27th in Pittsburgh. Her life full of beauty, love, laughter, and grace will be celebrated with family and friends later this year. If so inclined, memorial donations in her name may be made to Covenant House New York Donation Link or to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children Donation Link