Christina Allen

Christina Allen, 77, of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, passed away surrounded by family on February 20th, 2025.

Christina was born on July 24th, 1947, in Gräs, Sweden, to Gunborg Kihlstadius Anderson and Håkan Andersson. She lived a vibrant life full of love, family, and adventure. In 1969 Christina began her university studies in English and anesthesiology nursing at the University of Uppsala and continued her studies at Samariterhemmets Sjuksköterskekola. In June of 1973, Christina received her Swedish nursing qualification. Seeking sunshine and adventure, she moved from Sweden to San Francisco, where she received her US nursing credentials. While visiting her friend in Atlanta, GA, Christina met her soulmate and the love of her life, Dr. William (Bill) D. Allen. She and Bill married in 1985 and had their son John in 1990.While living in Atlanta, Christina worked as a nurse in anesthesiology.

In 2006, Bill and Christina retired to Saint Simons Island, where she was involved in numerous community organizations including, the Live Oaks Garden Club, book club, Manna House soup kitchen, Swedish Association and the St. Simons Land Trust. Christina’s passion was service to others; in her nursing career, in her community, and in her selfless devotion to her family and friends. She lived her life with gusto and love as a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. Christina was generous and always eager to learn something new. Her zest for life was evident in her adventurous spirit, which led her on many foreign travels with family and friends. Some of her most recent travels included trips to: India, New Zealand, Australia, Belize, Spain, Egypt, the Galapagos Islands, and Turkey. She had made plans to see the cherry blossoms blooming in Japan in March before her sudden and unexpected passing.

Christina was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William D. Allen; mother, Gunborg Kihlstadius Andersson; father, Håkan Andersson; brother, Roland Kihlstadius; step-daughter, Sabrina Allen Tatum; sister-in-laws, Mary Charles Allen Cleere, Frances Jayne Irminger; and nephew, Eric Kihlstadius.

Survivors include her son, John Charles Allen (Akasha); step-daughter, Kimberly Allen Perea Smith (Victor); granddaughters, Kristina Wiegand (Brad), Samantha Tatum, Lauren Perea Gonzales, Courtney Perea; aunt, Maud Henrikson; niece, Karin Kihlstadius; and several great-granddaughters and great-nieces.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 28th, 2025 in Cumming, GA, and a private memorial graveside service will be held at Christ Church on Saint Simons Island in May.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Simons Land Trust, www.sslt.org or the Manna House of Brunswick, www.mannahousebrunswickga.org .

                Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200, for online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .