Kay Allen

Kiki (Kyriaki), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Kiki was born in Athens, Greece to her parents George and Garafalia Rekas. As an only child, Kiki was the center of her parents’ lives. Growing up, Kiki would spend summers in her father’s hometown of Tripoli in the Peloponnese. 

When Kiki was in her teens and after WWII ended, she longed to move to the United States in search of a better life. Ultimately, they moved to San Francisco, California. There she met the love of her life, Louie, at a Greek dance and it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. They married in 1952. Kiki and Louie welcomed their two sons, George and Tim, soon after. 

Kiki worked for Pacific Insurance Company for nearly two decades before she and Louie decided to own and operate their own business, a popular restaurant on Mission Street. As an independent career woman, she was ahead of her time. She worked tirelessly to ensure her sons’ happiness, while still living a joyful life with her family.

From the moment they met, Kiki and Louie’s lives became defined by the love they shared. For more than seventy years, Kiki and Louie inspired others with their devotion to each other and their remarkable dancing skills. This deep and resounding love lasted a long, rich lifetime. In their eighties, they were featured in an extensive front cover story in the San Francisco Chronicle, called “A Joyous Dance Through Life.” 

Throughout her life, Kiki was a strong, vibrant, and loving woman who cherished her family. She had a passion for life and loved to spend time with her family and friends. For over 40 years, Kiki treasured being with her in-laws, including the Rally and Ellenikiotis families. Even in her nineties, she maintained a childlike mischief and sense of fun. She loved being around people, going to restaurants, and being part of her Greek community. Kiki and Louie’s shared love of dance resonated throughout their marriage, and their incredible ballroom and salsa dancing always received standing ovations. 

Kiki’s fun-loving, inspirational presence, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed and her legacy will live on for generations. May her memory be eternal.

Kiki is survived by her two sons George Allen (and his wife Frances), Tim Alevizos (and his wife Pauline). She is also survived by six grandchildren: John Allen (and his wife Nicole), Nikki Allen Decker (and her husband Chris), Kate Alevizos Ramacciotti (and her husband John), Eleni Alevizos (and her husband Scott), Louie Allen, and Yianni Alevizos. Kiki was also a proud great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren: Niko Decker, Athena Ramacciotti, Mia Allen, Eliana Decker, Yianni Ramacciotti, Elias Allen, Demetra Robson, Xena Robson, and Artemis Robson.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the Trisagion on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 7:00 pm located at Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA. 

The Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont. Interment to follow at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, 1148 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014. A Makaria luncheon will be held at the Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 following the Interment.

With much gratitude, the family prefers donations to the Church of the Holy Cross.