The End of an Era: Lyngblomsten’s Last Life Member Passes Away
June 28, 2024
Karina Allen, 1925-2024
By Patricia Montgomery
Yesterday we said goodbye to longtime supporter Karina Allen, age 98, at a memorial service held at the Newman-Benson Chapel on Lyngblomsten’s Como Park campus. Her connection with Lyngblomsten is extraordinary.
Karina’s legacy with Lyngblomsten began in the 1930s when she accompanied her mother, Maria Vassbotn, to branch* meetings and volunteered with her at Lyngblomsten’s Home for the Aged, as it was called back then. Her Aunt Martha was also very involved. Later when Karina became a mother, one of her sons accompanied her to Lyngblomsten and visited residents regularly.
In the 1950s as more women were entering the workforce—reducing their ability to volunteer in running the daily operations of Lyngblomsten—and government regulations were increasing, Lyngblomsten was reorganized and reincorporated in 1960. Those who were branch members at that time, including Karina, became Life Members of the organization. Also at that time, area churches began to join as Member Congregations.
Like many others, Karina had passion for Lyngblomsten and acted on that passionate concern for the elderly. But what makes Karina unique is the number of years she was involved and the variety of roles she held. Here’s a summary:
- Youth Volunteer
- Branch Member, then Life Member
- Auxiliary Member (helped establish the Auxiliary and served as an Officer; helped establish the rummage sales, cookie fair, and gift/coffee shop)
- Lyngblomsten Board Director for four terms (1969-1976 and 1982-1987)
- Member of the Lyngblomsten Centennial Celebration Committee
- Member of the Heritage Society
- Resident of The Heritage at Lyngblomsten
Karina is a legend in her own right. Highly educated woman (Masters in Social Work), consummate storyteller, able organizer, passionate leader, compelling speaker, and servant of Christ.
Her legacy lives on through the lasting impact of her contributions to Lyngblomsten.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Karina Allen with her husband, Alden, and Lyngblomsten President/CEO Paul Mikelson, in February 2007, waiting for the Closing Celebration for Lyngblomsten’s Centennial Year; Karina was a featured speaker on the program.
NOTE: In 2012, Karina was interviewed as we gathered history to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Lyngblomsten Home opening and welcoming its new residents. Enjoy these video snippets to learn more about Karina and Lyngblomsten’s history.
- Video 1 Karina (text summary of Karina Allen's biography highlights)
- Video 2 The Matron, Martha, & More (video interview with Karina Allen)
- Video 3 The Churches (video interview with Karina Allen)
- Video 4 The Branches (video interview with Karina Allen)
- Video 5 Memories (video interview with Karina Allen)
