Harriet Spicer Allan

Harriet Spicer Allan
November 7, 1921 - May 27, 2012

Harriet Lee Spicer Allan passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2012, at the age of 90. Harriet, also known as “Spice,” was born on November 7, 1921 in Whittier, California to Catherine Faye Gooch and Harry Hazzard (who passed just before her birth). A third generation Californian, Spice was raised and adopted by Walter S. Spicer at about age 2, when her mother remarried. She grew up and attended high school in Santa Ana, and in the late 1930s was one of the first drum majorettes with twirling batons to march in the Rose Parade. Spice attended Stanford University from 1939 to 1943, where she met and married the love of her life, Robert M. (“Bob”) Allan, Jr. who was a year ahead of her. At Stanford, Spice sailed, was active in her sorority Delta Gamma, and after graduation in 1943, moved to Washington DC when Bob worked at the Pentagon in the Air Force.

Spice raised four children in San Marino, and was active in a variety of volunteer programs and the PEO. She helped the whole family with their sailing endeavors on weekends and in summers in Balboa, and later in Corona del Mar. Her steady presence and family commitment helped several to be world class sailing champions in the Olympics or in singlehanded Transpacific races. Spice was the soul and backbone of the family, supporting Bob in his many business positions and travels. The many Spicer, Burke, and Allan cousins greatly enjoyed the large family summer gatherings that she helped organize in Balboa.

In 1971, Spice and Bob moved to Pebble Beach, and lived there and later in Carmel for the latter part of their lives. Spice was an accomplished golfer and bridge player, and surprised Bob with her local golfing trophies on occasion. They were active in Church of the Forest and the Methodist church in Carmel. Spice spent the last few years living quietly in Capitola with her son Skip and caregivers.

Spice was always the most steady of people -- happy, unflustered, and had a level of contentment so rare among most. She was reliable and joyous to be around, and gave her time and love to family and friends. She was gentle and never had anything but positive thoughts and expressions during her life. She was a wonderful wife and mother, and will be long remembered.

Spice leaves behind her four children: Skip Allan of Capitola, Scott Allan (Kathryn Allan) of Annapolis, MD, David Allan (Jana Wickham) of Big Sur, CA and Idaho, and Marilee Allan (Tom Ashkenas) of Berkeley, CA; as well as six grandchildren Scott Allan Jr., Christiane Allan Fabrizio, Robin Rose Allan, Jeremy Ashkenas, Molly Ashkenas, Susannah Ashkenas, and four great-grandchildren (Piper and Pearce Fabrizio, and Stewart and Brooke Allan). Her brother Walt Spicer of Napa, and sister Carolyn Spicer Burke of Boise, also deeply mourn her, as do many nieces and nephews. Harriet’s beloved husband, Bob, predeceased her in 2009.

A celebration of her life will be held in the Bay Area in the fall. For information, contact her daughter, Marilee Allan.