Doris Jean Mann Allen Feb. 23, 1954 - Dec. 3, 2006 Resident of Martinez Doris passed away after a long illness on Sunday in Concord. Married for 21 years, she leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Michael Allen, her childhood sweetheart whom she was with for 26 years. A fourth generation resident of Contra Costa County, Doris is descended from the Clayton pioneering families of Frank, Stockfleth and Wilke. Born to Charles and Willmetta Frank Mann, Doris had an idyllic childhood and enjoyed her position as "the baby" of the family. Doris graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1972 and made her career with California Casualty Insurance in Walnut Creek. Her peaches and cream complexion and her gorgeous blonde curls made her a stand-out throughout her life. She relished the hunting, target shooting and fishing trips she shared with Michael and their numerous friends. Doris had a keen sense of humor, a quick wit and a sparkling personality, a kind and loving heart and a soft spot for animals. As a child, she demonstrated the urgency to save animals, even once taking in a chicken she named "Stanley". She served as a volunteer for Community Concern for Cats (CC4C) throughout her adulthood. Creative by nature, Doris crafted many beautiful things over the years. She enjoyed counted cross stitch and beading. The gifts she made for others are treasured. Along with her husband, Michael, Doris is also survived by her mother, Willmetta Frank Mann (a native of Clayton), her sisters, Charmetta Mann of Clayton and Alice Mann Stewart (James) of Santa Rosa, nieces, Nicole Mann Gaines (Matt) of Oklahoma, Kimberly Moses (Paul) of Martinez and Meg Mann Pettit of Santa Rosa, nephew, Wayne Bennett of Susanville, her aunts, Carmen Frank of Clayton and Wilda Farrar of El Sobrante , mother and father in law, Myron and Jean Allen of Concord, sister in law, Debra Allen of Concord, brother in law, Stephen Allen of Pittsburg and dear family friends Bill and Linda Martin of Mountain Ranch. She is predeceased by her father, Charles Mann in 1996, and her brother, Stuart Mann in 1972. Doris beamed a ray of sunshine upon all those with whom she had contact during her lifetime. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall St. 19th flr., New York, NY 10005. Doris supported stem cell research and if you do too, please write to your legislators. As per her wishes, no flowers should be sent and no services will be held.

Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, CA)
Date: December 6, 2006
Record Number: 20177599
Copyright (c) 2006 Contra Costa Times.