Jul 19, 2018

Catherine Mary “Cathy” Zirwas Allen, 51, of Port Royal, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in her home, following a brief illness.

She was born April 21, 1967, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Jacob W. Zirwas and Marie Alexander Zirwas Phillips of McDonald.

On September 9, 1994, Cathy married her beloved husband, Michael L. Allen.

She was a loving mother to sons Sean A. Barnett of Eminence, Ky., Michael I. Allen of Port Royal and stepson James M. Allen of Amarillo, Texas.

Mrs. Allen is survived by her sister, Cindy (Sam) Colega of McDonald, and a stepsister, Wendy Jenkins of Aliquippa.

Preceding Catherine in death are a brother, William J. Zirwas; grandparents Jacob and Mary Zirwas and Camille and Louise Alexander; and her stepfather, Richard A. Phillips.

Cathy was a 1985 graduate of Fort Cherry High School, where she was a member of the drill team.

Early in life, Cathy worked at GC Murphy department store, before becoming employed with Northern Telecom in its Pittsburgh offices as an administrative assistant.

After her marriage to Michael, Cathy adored being a homemaker, raising her children and managing the household. Her passions included her paintings and animals, especially her horses, which she loved second only to her family and friends.

Cathy will be laid to rest with a graveside service at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 4, in New Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal. A celebration of her life will follow in Juniata Saddle Horse Association, 255 Lost Creek Road, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to either of the following organizations: Family Hospice at homenursingagency.networkforgood.com, or American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Homes Inc., 100 Bridge Street, Mifflintown.

To access tributes and condolences, visit www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.