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1953 Bonita 2021

Bonita Allen

August 1, 1953 — November 26, 2021

Bonita Allen Obituary
Bonita Allen, a family engagement and public education policy advocate, died unexpectedly on November 26, 2021 at the age of 68 following a wonderful vacation in Hawaii where she enjoyed time with both of her daughters; and a joyful Thanksgiving with her mother, sister and friends in Ventura, California.
Bonita is survived by her husband Steven Cochran, their children Xia Allen and Penelope Cochran, her brothers James Allen and Ricky Allen, sisters Fecialita Allen, Marja Vongerichten, and Kaila Allen, and parents Mary Grooms and James Allen, Jr.
Bonita was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 1, 1953. She graduated with a Baccalaureate degree in Psychology and Social Relations from Harvard University. She worked as a parent advocate and volunteer in North Hollywood, California where she was re-acquainted with Steven at their 20th high school reunion, and they married five years later.
They moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she continued to make a positive difference in the world through public service. Bonita started her own company, B Allen Consulting LLC, where she provided training, presented workshops, and developed more effective parent and family involvement policies and practices through the Pittsburgh Mayor's Commission on Public Education, A+ Schools, Parent Involvement in Education (PIE), and the Education Policy and Leadership Center. From 2017 to 2019, she served as the President of the Pennsylvania PTA. During her career she received numerous awards for her accomplishments, including the Pennsylvania State Parent Advisory Council: Distinguished Educator Award, and the National Association of Women Business Owners: Make the Connection Award.
A private service will be held at the family's request. The greatest memorial of her life would be to support and engage with your local public schools. Additionally, those who wish to do so can make a donation in Bonita’s name to the Pennsylvania PTA at papta.org/page/34.
Bonita will live on in the hearts and memories of the many people whose lives she touched.
She will be missed.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bonita Allen, please visit our flower store.

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