Obituary of Ann-Marie Andrea Allen

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share that jovial Ann-Marie Allen, 63, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on June 7, 2024. She was a bright, loving, thoughtful, and warm mum, daughter, sister, friend, and so much more, to all who had the joy of knowing her.

Ann-Marie was born October 22, 1960, in London, England to Viola (1928-) and Headley Allen (1924-1982). Along with her two sisters, the family emigrated to Toronto, Ontario in April 1969. Growing up in ”The Beaches”, Ann-Marie entered the workforce working at McDonald's, became a Centennial College alumna (Advertising-Creative '85), then got working right in her field at Vickers & Benson. One of Annie’s most beloved and cherished work experiences was her time at Estée Lauder/Clinique. In the early 90s, Annie met Raphael Okojie (1960-2022), husband of 9 years, and the two moved to Surrey, British Columbia, where they started a family. Ann-Marie welcomed two beautiful babies into the world, daughters Ibhade (Ivy) and Ebehi Okojie, in Burnaby, British Columbia. After having relocated to and living in London, Ontario for several years, Ann-Marie, Ivy, and Ebehi became a strong and resilient single-mother led family. The loving and close-knit trio family continued to reside in London, ON, and did so at the time of her passing. 

Ann-Marie, whom many lovingly called as “Annie” or “AM”, was abundantly nurturing, giving, and so very selfless. She worked for The Ivey Academy, part of Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Ontario for 27 years as a Program Manager–turned Client Relations Officer. She formed close and authentic relationships, loving her work family as her own. 

Annie always had the most caring spirit and effortless ability to relate, connect and comfort people around her. Any time you were in her presence, you felt the warmth and freedom to be yourself. Wherever she went, she held and created space for others to feel/be safe — just by being her authentic self. Her creative and adventurous heart loved writing, art, books/reading, music, dancing, singing, and travelling! She loved experiencing and cherishing all the moments of life that we take for granted, or let us pass by. She truly loved living life to the fullest!

Annie’s passing has come as an incredible shock that is deeply felt by her family and countless others in her community. Ann-Marie is survived by her two daughters Ivy Okojie and Ebehi Okojie, mother Viola Allen, sisters Pauline Deasy (Bob) and Maureen Allen-Doorley (Charlie), and immediate niece(s)/nephew(s) Cameron Deasy, Cierra Doorley, Sadhbh Doorley. Her legacy and memory is continued forward/survived by infinitely more family members, family friends, ”sista friends”, coworkers/colleagues, clients, acquaintances, classmates, friends of her daughters and other family members — so many. She was and is loved dearly by many. 

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of compassion and support received. A celebration of life will be held at Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre on July 25th, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:30pm.  Guests are welcome to drop-in to connect and celebrate Annie.

In lieu of flowers, Ivy and Ebehi graciously ask that you consider a donation to their memorial GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/dafa9761.

Please connect with one of her daughters with any questions.