Mary Jo “M.J.” Allen
Mary Jo “M.J.” Allen, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009 of bacterial meningitis.
M.J. and her two children, Emily and David Hoops, had just returned from what M.J. described as “the best week of my life.” The three had spent a week in Mexico, part of the Shawnee Mission West High School senior trip.
Emily and David were always her first priority. As a former teacher, M.J. was strongly committed to their education, both in the classroom and beyond. The three traveled together extensively, and M.J. encouraged and supported their interests, whether it was Emily’s horsemanship or David’s baseball.
She was also a successful businesswoman. A Johnson County home builder, realtor, and developer, her most recent project was the Courts at Fairfield Village in Olathe. Other projects include the Villas at Parkside, and the Woods of Hidden Valley, both in Shawnee. She loved to create beautiful homes for the people with whom she worked.
M.J. was a generous soul…to her children and their friends and their parents; to her church, Unity of Overland Park; to her children’s school, Shawnee Mission West; and to her community.
She is missed by her children, her adopted sisters, her associates, and her many, many friends.
Visitation and Funeral Service
A celebration of M.J.’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch. Friends may gather from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the church.
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There has never been any one like our MJ. She challenged us, entertained us and loved us. Always, always giving. Our memories — Sonics to Zen gardens to pudding treats to special shows to tee-peeing of my yard and, yes, to Mexico — will be cherished forever. And even though I am completely lost without her, I know it will always be easy to bring her running commentary into my mind. I hear her now.
David and Emily, we are so very sorry for your loss. And we are here for whatever you need.
Donna Vestal
We purchased our home from MJ in Stoneridge Manor, Lenexa, KS, in 1987, her office was in what would later become our garage, the model home on 81st Street, Lot 1, Block 1. She was a great person and was easy to talk to for years and years. I’ll never forget her kindness and moral support after I held a middle school party in my finished basement. I considered MJ a neighbor, fellow parent, and a friend, and my heart goes out to her children and all of her family members. My deepest sympathies, John Hocker
We will continue to hold Emily and David in our thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for MJ’s life and contribution in excitement and support of the baseball team. She will be missed by the Viking families.
Cathy Boyd (Jeff Boyd)
David and Emily,
The first time we met your mom we knew she was good people.
We not only had fun hanging out with M.J., we could easily see how proud of you two she was. You guys could not have chosen a better person for a mother or a role model.
Greg and Lesa Mense
My mother, Marilyn Goodrich (now Peterson) taught with your mother at Rolling Ridge in the mid 70s. We hosted a few pool parties and your Mom was usually the life of the party. My sisters and I were always eager to talk to her since she was one of the younger, cooler, teachers. We just gravitated to her. She had a great sense of humor and laugh and we enjoyed hearing her stories as she would roll her eyes and chuckle. All those teachers were such a close group. It was an extended family for us.
Peace to MJ.
David & Emily,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was my teacher back in the sixth grade when she was at Rolling Ridge Elementary. And, what a wonderful teacher she was… my absolute favorite. She was kind, funny, warm and full of energy. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cathy Keeling
(Olathe, KS)
To MJ’s family,
We only knew your mother through business, but found her to be very helpful during our home purchase in the villa. We had some problems that she dealt with in a timely manner.
After reading about all she did for you we know this will be very difficult.
Our prayers go out to you all.
Barbara and Keith Balzer
My best friend and I bought a townhouse in Villas at Parkside four years ago. We had looked at many townhouse developments in Johnson County and never really loved any of them until we fpund the ones m. j. had built. We remember going through the final walk through with her and how caring and thorough she was, finding little flaws we didn’t even notice and making sure they were fixed before we moved in. We have been very happy there and still think they are the best looking and well built townhouses we have ever seen. We also remember how she talked about her children with love and pride in her voice. you are blessed to have had a mother like m.j.
David and Emily-
The Viking Baseball family is so fortunate that your mom was a part us and will continue now in spirit. From her smile, her support and her winning pills, there is no one that can compare. When we had the clappers for Regionals and State last year, I am pretty certain she clapped the loudest! May you find comfort and strength by knowing how deeply loved she was by all.
Our door is always open for you.
With deepest sympathy,
Coach Reed, Lisa and Tanner
David and Emily,
We were so deeply saddened to hear of your Mother’s sudden death. We loved her from the first minute we met her at David’s baseball games with Tyler. Emily would be at the games and she talked so proudly of her horsemanship and what costumes Emily and her horse would wear next! And you could see how proud she was of David’s baseball skills. She surprised us when she showed up at Tyler’s swim meet. She said that when any of David’s friend’s were so excited about something they were doing that she had to go and show her support. What a remarkable woman! She supported you and Tyler as you learned to scuba dive and was so generous to take Tyler with you to Mexico last summer to test out your newly acquired skills. It was so obvious that she adored her children. Our hearts go out to you at this time of such intense sorrow. We are there for you – Love, Deb and Rick Nowicki
David, & Emily, family & friends, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call me. My thoughts are with you, and I really missed MJ coming through my door today, I really looked forward to her vists. I will really miss her, she was an incredible woman, funny, witty and strong, a giving and caring person.
Love, Patti
David, & Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call me. My thoughts are with you, and I really missed MJ coming through my door today, I really looked forward to her vists which has been every month for over 15 years. I will really miss her, she was an incredible woman, funny, witty and strong, a giving and caring person and when she came in she mostly talked about you.
Love, Patti
Emily and David,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. You both meant so much to her. She was always so proud of your hard work in school and always wanted the best for the both of you. I know that you will miss her very much.
Susan Gampper
2nd grade teacher Christa McAuliffe
Emily, David, family members and friends,
We were all so shocked and sorry to hear of MJ’s sudden death. As fellow Vikings, MJ was really a special fan and supporter. She was so enthusiastic, funny, and great to be around. We will all miss her caring, loving nature. Please know you’re on our minds and in our hearts right now.
With our deepest sympathy,
Terry, Pat, and Nathan Reuter
Beautiful Emily and Active David,
MJ was a wonderful, unique and caring person. She had the sweetest intentions in her heart to always make me, my family and everyone around her feel welcome and special. MJ treated me like a daughter of her own, and was always there for me. MJ’s style was so fashionable and always surprised Emily and David with amazing, exquisite gifts from her heart. She was a great woman and I will always cherish your Mommy. I love you Emily and David and know that MJ will always be with you, no matter what.
I love you MJ.
April Nolan BFF
Em and David,
I knew your mom for many years. She was such a great lady!!
We all loved her so very much. She will be missed.
Kathi Clark
We are both sorry to hear about MJ. She was a great person and always so happy. We knew her when she was selling house in Stoneridge Manor. She was a great asset to the area. She will truly be missed.
Our deepest sympathy,
Myrna and Duane Riha
Em and David,
Your family has meant a lot to ours over the last 14 years and the memories of baseball and horses are too many to list. They are all good ones and we are lucky to have them – Alex, Tori, Paul and I are devastated for you. Keep the incredible stories and memories of your funny, brilliant, personality-plus mom alive and share them with everyone.
Love,
The Rodriguezes
My thoughts & prayers are with your family. As I read the pastoral care report I had the feeling that I wanted to express my support & love during this time. I didn’t know MJ, but we are all one in Spirit, so I pray you feel the love & support of this spiritual community.
With prayers of comfort & support.
Ruth Ann Tannery