Catherine “Cathy” Mary (Zirwas) Allen, 51, of Port Royal, PA passed away in her home on July 17, 2018 after a brief illness.

She was born on April 21, 1967 in Canonsburg, Washington County., PA, the daughter of the late Jacob W. Zirwas and Marie Alexander Zirwas Phillips of McDonald, Pennsylvania. 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, PA; and step son James M. Allen of Amarillo, TX.

Mrs. Allen is survived by her sister, Cindy (Sam) Colega of McDonald, PA and a step-sister, Wendy Jenkins of Aliquippa, PA. Preceding Catherine in death are a brother, William J. Zirwas; Grandparents Jacob and Mary Zirwas; Camille and Louise Alexander, and step father 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 the GC Murphy department store before employment with Northern Telecom in their Pittsburgh, PA offices as an Administrative Assistant. After marriage to Michael, Cathy adored being a homemaker, raising her children, and managing the household. Her passion included her paintings and her animals, especially her horses, for which she loved second only to her family and friends.

Cathy will be laid to rest with a graveside service at the New Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal, PA on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 1 p.m, followed by a celebration of her life at the Juniata Saddle Horse Association, 255 Lost Creek Rd, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either of the following organizations:
Family Hospice: homenursingagency.networkforgood.com/projects/16557-your-gift-has-a-face-a-story-a-purpose or to the American Cancer Society: donate3.cancer.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge Street, Mifflintown.

For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.