Vickie June Allen

"Sunshine" Vickie June Allen, age 69, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Providence Hospital, Everett, Wash., after a long battle with diabetes. She was the daughter of Charlotte Henderson (Allen) and the late Don Allen, of Jefferson City, Mo. Born in California, she and her older brother, John, were adopted by Charlotte and Don Allen in Davenport, Iowa, when they were three and five years old, respectively. The family moved in 1962, to Jefferson City, Missouri, where her youngest brother Michael would later join the family, and where Sunshine spent the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1972, attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., before moving to Columbia, Missouri, where she lived for several years. She later moved with friends to Seattle, Wash., in 1990. After struggling with addiction for two decades, Sunshine got into recovery a few years after moving to Mt. Vernon, Wash., and at the time of her death had been sober for over 25 years. In sobriety, her true passion was service. She dedicated her life to social service and completed additional education in her pursuit. She graduated from Skagit Valley College, Mt. Vernon, June 11, 1999, with an Associate Degree in Technical Arts in Human Services, with honors. She also completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, graduating on June 16, 2007. Sunshine was proactively involved with various AA meeting groups in the Mount Vernon and Skagit County area, often sponsoring and speaking at the various platforms offered. She always said "yes" to anyone who asked her to be involved and engaged in their personal journey. She frequently chaired meetings and recovery workshops, speaking open and honestly with the truth. Additionally, Sunshine was involved with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, in the "No Reservations" speaker meetings. She was positioned as a personal greeter for 12 years, setting a positive and energetic tone with attendees. She was also a longtime volunteer for Chinook Enterprises. Sunshine was a member of the Chinook's Board of Directors for 24 years. As a Board member, Sunshine was the voice for the community who Chinook serves. Overcoming many barriers and challenges in her own life. In the words of Rob Martin, Founder and former CEO of Chinook, "It may not have been her desire, but she was an example for others, displaying exactly what Chinook had to deliver to their clients. She didn't just believe in Chinook's mission statement, she lived it." Tom Doughty, Chair of the Board, states, "Sunshine would contribute to Board Business matters succinctly and often with simple clarity. Her summaries often kept meetings moving quickly toward decisive consensus. She would remind the Chinook Board members that placing the needs of the customers and clients came first. Sunshine's work and dedication with the Chinook Enterprises Staff and Board will resonate for generations. She was wonderfully giving of herself for the benefit of others - she gave far more than she ever took!" In her later years, Sunshine's long battle with diabetes worsened, eventually leading to partial amputations of both legs. Still, even double amputation failed to dampen her commitment to service. With the help of crutches and a wheelchair, she continued to sponsor fellow recovering addicts and to show up early to the recovery meetings to help set the tone of authenticity for meetings. Sunshine was preceded in death by her father, Don Allen in 1975; her brother, John Allen in 1987; and her stepfather, Bill Henderson in 2013. She is survived by her mother, Charlotte Henderson; her brother, Michael Allen and sister-in-law Melanie Allen; and nieces, Eliza and Charlotte Allen, all of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and many, many life-long friends who became her family. A potluck will be held at 5:45 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 7:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 CT, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Swinomish Tribal Community, Swinomish Reservation at John K. Bob Ball Field's white tents, 17649 Snee-Oosh Road, La Conner, WA 98257. The services will be broadcast on Zoom; please inquire with Kern Funeral Home and their website for further information. A scattering of her ashes will be in Jefferson City, Mo. at a future date. In lieu of flowers, Sunshine's family asks that donations be made in her memory to Mt. Vernon AA meetings, Chinook Enterprises, or the Swinomish Indian Tribal Council, by sending a check to the Kern Funeral Home, indicating to whom the contribution is to benefit. Their address is: 1122 South 3rd Street, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Phone number is 360-336-2153. Website: www.kernfuneralhome.com Their hours are 9:00-5:00 PT. You may offer your condolences and share memories of Sunshine with her family online at www.kernfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.