Kathryn Kessler Allen

Kathryn Kessler Allen passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at the age of 73. She was a woman of remarkable grace, intelligence, and generosity—beautiful in every way to all who knew and loved her. And there are many.

Kathryn was the eldest of six children and is survived by her loving husband, Jon Allen, as well as her four sisters: Linda Jean Hohl, Mary Ann Barth, Patty Cleone Moore, and Marjorie Kessler Merrill. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Billy, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 26 in 1987. As the oldest sibling, Kathryn was a guiding light in her family, offering wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support throughout her life.

Kathryn attended Bourgade High School, where she served as Editor of the Yearbook Committee and was crowned Prom Queen her Senior year. She went on to graduate from her beloved University of Arizona in Tucson in 1976. Following graduation, she dedicated a year of service volunteering at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Orphanage in Cuernavaca, Mexico, an experience that reflected her deep compassion and lifelong commitment to helping others. Kathryn set quite an example and a high bar when it came to being of help to others.

She built a successful and respected career in the insurance brokerage industry, where her professionalism, integrity, and warmth left a lasting impression. It was through her work that she met the love of her life, Jon. They were married in 1994 and created a beautiful life together in North Central Phoenix.

Kathryn and Jon shared a passion for travel and adventure. They explored much of Europe together, with a special love for France. They enjoyed many memorable cruises throughout Europe and Alaska aboard the Silversea cruise line sharing one of their cruises by hosting Kathryn’s parents for the trip of a lifetime. Their travels were enriched by cherished time spent with their “French family,” the Lafonts, with whom they shared unforgettable moments in Paris, Burgundy, and the South of France.

Kathryn and Jon’s home became the heart of family gatherings, especially during the holidays. With its welcoming atmosphere, gracious outdoor living spaces, and Jon’s magnificent rose garden, their home was a place where memories were made and cherished.

Kathryn’s generous spirit extended to all aspects of her life. She gave freely of her time, her talents, and her resources, always putting others before herself. Kathryn and Jon attended church at The Casa Renewal Center where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Jon tended to the Rose Garden they helped to establish. She was a devoted and doting aunt to Brian, Jeff, Megan, Maribeth, Alison, Bradley, Emily, Katie, Natalie, Nina, and Hallie on the Kessler side along with Bonnie and Heidi from the Allen side of the family.

She had a special love for her cherished English Springer spaniel, Mizzy, who was her constant companion. The bond they shared was undeniable and brought her great comfort and joy.

Kathryn will be remembered for her elegance, her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched so deeply. She truly was LOVED BY ALL.

May she rest in eternal peace, embraced in God’s love, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Visitation and Rosary (Rosary to start at 6pm) at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018. On Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM a Resurrection Mass will be celebrated at Franciscan Renewal Center (The Casa), 5802 E Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Burial immediately following Mass at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 North 48th St. Phoenix AZ 85008. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Leukemia Society in honor of Kathryn Allen.

A Celebration of Kathryn's Life to follow funeral services at the Arizona Biltmore in the grand ballroom at 2:00 PM.