WA - Maureen (Manca) Allenbach

Our kind, strong and selfless mother, Maureen Alice Allenbach, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 12, 2025 surrounded by her loving family and incredible caregiving team. She was 91.

Maureen's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with unconditional love, quiet grace, and a heart that welcomed all. She met everyone without judgment and offered her warmth freely - a rare and remarkable gift.

A Seattleite from birth, Maureen moved from Lincoln Park to Madrona before enjoying the rest of her childhood on Capitol Hill. She graduated from Holy Names Academy and later received her BS in Home Economics from Seattle University. She honed her sewing skills making couture clothing from home, assisted with floral arranging and worked at the family's Manca's Cafe before securing a role at Seafirst Bank. While in college, she met her first husband, Ed, a charismatic band leader achieving his masters in music-education. Both participated in Seafair, fittingly one as a parade princess and the other a clown. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, music and adventure for 45 years.

Some of our fondest memories include Mom hopping on the back of Dad's motorcycle for spontaneous getaways, and the epic road trips they arranged for the whole family, exploring all 50 states. As empty nesters, they explored four more continents.

We had the joy of witnessing mom fall in love at 76 for a second time, with Walt Shields, our parish Deacon. Their romance began like that of two love-struck teenagers. This brought together their two families creating the fun loving "Shallenbach" bunch.

Maureen is survived by four of her and Ed's children, Mike, Mary, Diane (Jim Castanes) and Jeannie; her grandchildren, Marco and Marisa Meza, and Alexander Castanes; and cherished addition to the family, Victoria Harris; her Manca siblings Mike, Sis, Madeline, Mary and Mory, and bonus Shields family. She was preceded by both Ed and Walt, her charismatic parents Eugene and Alice Manca; her treasured daughters Caroline and Elaine and precious grandchild, Mozae.

Our mother gave of herself constantly and wholeheartedly. Her quiet leadership was rooted in compassion and humility. She served her community through countless acts of kindness and volunteered faithfully with the Catholic Childhood, St. Vincents and QA Helpline. She was the rock of her family, a gentle second mother to many, a loyal friend, and a beloved neighbor, especially on 30th Ave. Visitors referred to her as a living angel or Saint Maureen. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, empathy and unshakable love.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima on Monday, August 4 at 11:00 AM, reception to follow. Family, friends and neighbors are invited to join in honoring her life.

Remembrances to APDA suggested - https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/northwest/ways-to-give-nw/donate Knowing mom, in lieu of flowers, she'd want nothing more than to have you just take a moment to help someone in need.