by Catherine Maresca
1985, Linda Allen and I partnered as young catechists in an after-school atrium session at Christian Family Montessori School (CFMS). We were both pregnant, and took turns helping each other through the last weeks of pregnancy and early weeks of our babies’ lives. Somewhere between those births, Linda and I stared at each other with the joyful realization that, for the first time, all the children in the room were engaged with their choice of work. None of them needed our support.
We continued to work together at CFMS until about 2010. Linda was the lead catechist in the 3-6 atrium, and I worked with the older children. Linda’s particular gift was her dedication to children with disabilities. She was determined to serve every child brought to the atrium. As news spread of her welcome to all children, Linda created any needed adaptation to accommodate every child that was brought into her sphere. For example, she had a dark background behind the Paschal Candle, with the Baptism material for children with limited sight, so that they could see the flame when it was lit.
When the Center for Children and Theology hosted the first gathering of Weaving Our Gifts in 2003, Linda was ready. She drove to Connecticut with her daughter Anna and a car full of books and materials and commandeered a sitting area at the conference. For three days, she was surrounded by catechists seeking materials and advice to widen the circle of welcome to all children. She continued to serve both children in the atrium and catechists at Weaving our Gifts well into retirement.
On August 15 after a fall, Linda Allen passed into eternal love.
We remember her as a steadfast friend and colleague – generous, brilliant, and holy – and hope that her wisdom and welcome to all children may continue to be shared widely among catechists.
Thank you, Linda! May eternal life be yours, and blessings flow to your family and all who love you.
You can view Linda’s obituary here.
We are lucky enough to have some of her reflections on children available for download as well here.
6 Responses
I remember Linda and Anna well. Linda was an extraordinary mother and such a gifted catechist. I learned so much from her at Weavings. She was so smart, observant and generous with her time and insights. What a gift her life was. Peace to all who knew and loved her, Becky Rochford
Linda and I were communicating about the coming Fall session the week before her fall. How short and precious is our life here as we are preparing to meet the Good Shepherd. How grateful I am for the gift I have of being a level I CGS catechist and the blessings of partnering with Linda and Anna in our Little Flower Atrium. I was the newbie but Linda always adamantly insisted that I was the lead catechist ( for 3 school years). I am presently so very grateful to God for His abundant gifts and in particular Linda!
Catherine Thank you for the beautiful reflection on my beloved wife.
Mike, Catherine has always spoken very highly of Linda and her gentle and generous nature. I briefly met her and Anna while I was in the CGS Level 3 course with Catherine back in 2010 or so. We are deeply honored that you have chosen us to honor Linda’s work by supporting adults and children with disabilities. May Linda live on in the work of our catechists and the children she has served. With prayers, Anita
I had the pleasure of being in the atrium with my mother Linda. My earliest memory is crawling from mom’s lap to the Good Shepherd Material. This was a real achievement because I was sick with a serious brain injury. Doctors did not think I would walk or talk. It was the call of the Good Shepherd.
At the age of thirteen I became a Co-Catechist in the Level I Afternoon Atrium Program. Linda and I had the pleasure of working with children who had varying needs. Some were non-verbal while others were as quick as lightning.. Linda faced each challenge with patience and kindness.
Ultimately I had the pure privilege of starting an atrium at two different parishes. Linda supported me when we had two weeks to pull an atrium together. I remember her sincere level of dedication to every child who came through our atriums.
I feel honored to carry on her legacy in the atrium.
I am saddened to hear of Linda’s death and remember her as so kind, so attentive, so present to each person she was with. She always persisted in trying to find just the right approach with each child in her care.
Our families crossed paths when Linda and her family met my sister Marsha at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. May Linda’s memory be a blessing to all.