Camilla Kidder Allen
Camilla Kidder Allen (b. Oct 26, 1921, Philadelphia) breathed her last earthly breath on Thursday March 4, 2010 leaving behind a legacy of good humor, joy and love. Aunt Cammie, as she was known by many, always lived a bit outside the lines. She studied and taught yoga and biofeedback long before they became popular; she practiced laying on hands healing at St Paul's Episcopal church and acted as a spiritual guide. She also traveled widely (from the wilds of Montana to Africa), had many friends and beaux, and worked as an artist, producing fanciful clay creatures and primitive paintings. In a professional capacity, she held various jobs in New Haven directing volunteer organizations, serving on the board of Directors of Wainwright House (a center for the fostering of human potential) and being an active participant in ' The Companions' at Adlynrood. Most important, though, she was a constant loving presence in the lives of her nieces, helpers and friends. Cammie Allen was no stranger to adversity. Formerly active and extroverted, her life became more and more limited due to many accidents and the resulting physical limitations. Although she suffered each time the limitations increased, in every case she eventually came to a place of acceptance and serenity, a state of being that profoundly affected those around her. In her later life, Cammie shed all artifice, reacting genuinely and spontaneously to all around her. No one ever doubted how she felt! And on good days, she delighted those around her with the songs she shared with helpers and aides, the kisses she blew to her nieces and her funny comments. Her passing leaves a big hole , yet we are very grateful for her life and all it has given us. Camilla was the youngest sister of Herrick Kidder Allen and Margaret Yorke Beale both deceased. She leaves behind 3 nieces: Camilla Kidder Beale of Portland Maine, Anna Lewis Beale of Philadelphia and Caroline Yorke Allen Brenneman of Portland Oregon, and one nephew, Stuart Macdonald Allen of Newcastle, Washington. She also leaves great nieces: Laurel Kidder Carangelo of Oakland CA, Kate Leming Beale of Philadelphia, Sara Allen Leggett of San Francisco and great nephews Edward James Beale of Philadelphia, Thomas Allen Brenneman of Portland, Oregon , Mark Stuart Brenneman of Mountain View California , and Paul Stuart Allen of Los Angeles. A Memorial Service will be held at 3PM Saturday, March 13th in the chapel of St. Paul and St James Episcopal Church, 57 Olive St, New Haven Connecticut, the place where Cammie used to participate in Healing services. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Ave., Rye, NY 10580 ; 914-967-6080; Funeral Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden.
Today’s service was just right. It centered on her loving spirit, artistic ability and introspective essence. She also had a good eye for a tennis ball and its bounce so that it was fun to play with her in our older lady foursomes. She was a good friend for many a year! It is wonderful to think of her .at home with her Lord..