Marlene Rose Stemp Allison

Called a saint by many, our loving, dedicated, generous, sweet Marlene Rose Allison passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at her home in Port Orchard on September 8th,2024.
Born in Tacoma, WA, on September 26th, 1935, to Walter and Elizabeth Stemp, she grew up on the family raspberry farm on River Road in Puyallup. She attended Riverside Primary and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1953.

Marlene was the youngest of the Stemp family children and was blessed with the whole package: brains, beauty, talent, and a passion for life. Growing up, she worked on the raspberry farm; never to be outdone, she was always the top berry picker. She loved listening to music, especially her favorite, Elvis, with her best friend, Geraldine Gratzer-Kilgren.

Marlene cherished her Polish heritage and was always excited to gather with her extended family. She was indeed the caregiver of her generation, lovingly giving her time to care for grandparents or the newest baby in the family. After graduation, she worked with her sister-in-law, Betty Lou, at Washington Hardware before moving on to Pacific Telephone Northwest and Pacific First Federal Savings. She prided herself on her work ethic and was quickly promoted wherever she worked.

In 1958, Marlene met the love of her life, Wade Allison, whom she affectionately called "My Guy." After marrying in 1960, the two quickly became the family power couple. With Wade's savvy business sense and Marlene's farm-girl tenacity and organizational skills, they cornered the fast food market in the Tri-Cities, owning and operating several Burger King restaurants. Following their success in the restaurant business, they retired closer to home, settling in Port Orchard, where she was heavily involved in her community. Whether opening her home to host events, including the Detlef Schrempf Charity Golf Tournaments, or contributing to countless charities near and far, Marlene's generosity and kindness will be remembered by many.

In 1995, her husband Wade suffered a debilitating stroke. This was when Marlene's "sainthood" title was cemented as she tirelessly cared for Wade, making sure he did not miss a family party, sporting event, or University of Puget Sound gathering until he died in 2010.

Marlene enjoyed crocheting and knitting blankets for the family, baking sweet treats, and curating her elaborate doll collection. Whether she was known as a star berry picker, caretaker for her generation, Elvis aficionado, or as the "Burger Queen," Marlene’s talents and passions knew no bounds. She was a guardian angel to many, lovingly supporting family, friends, and even strangers, and she will be deeply missed.

Marlene is preceded in death by her loving husband of over 50 years, Wade Allison, her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Stemp, her two older brothers, Stanley and Gene Stemp, her older sister, Leona "Onnie" Caldwell, and her niece, Cindy Stemp Thompson. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Lou Stemp, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was blessed by the many "angels" who cared for and adored her. Thank you to Lori, Ruthie, Jeannie, Rhonda, Lindsey, Angelina, and Alise.

Memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, or American Cancer Society.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18th, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Port Orchard. Following Mass, a Celebration of Life will take place at the Port Orchard Yacht Club. Private entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma.