The world became a brighter place on December 6, 1989, when Cathryn Marie Allen was born at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the only child of her proud parents, Kim A. Wynn and Ricky Allen, who affectionately nicknamed her “Pumpkin” and “Cat”, respectively. While a host of other family members simply called her “Marie”. Cathryn started her academic journey at Nottingham Day Care and Archbishop Elementary School where she successfully completed kindergarten. She traded in her crayons and recess clothes for 12 years of catholic school uniforms at St. Louis Elementary, Our Lady of Peace, and ultimately at Cleveland Central Catholic high school when she turned her tassel from right to left to proudly receive her graduation diploma in 2009. Life was just beginning for her as a young adult.

Cathryn decided to stay in Cleveland to work while attending college so she could also pursue other interests and hobbies. She was very talented, had a creative and entrepreneurial mindset like her mom, and similar to her dad, she was attracted to the medical profession. Cathryn earned a certificate from the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage in 2011, she volunteered for the Red Cross after completing her Phlebotomy certificate in 2017, she earned a Medical Office Administration diploma from Remington College in 2019, and she recently graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Medical Billing and Coding from Ultimate Medical Academy in 2024. Cathryn also worked as a Dietary Aid for South Pointe and Hillcrest hospitals as she pursued her education. To fulfill her creative side, she followed in the footsteps of her older cousin, Nieshia Marie Wynn, and became a licensed nail technician that specialized in colorfully designed manicures and pedicures. Her customers often posed for pictures to assist with advertising her fine work.

Cathryn’s biggest and most fulfilling accomplishment arrived on June 29, 2018; it was the birth of her precious baby boy, Jace Kashmere Tate who was born on a nice summer day at University Hospital to Cathryn Allen and Frank Tate IV, better known as “Kash”. The families were so excited! Cathryn was determined to be the best mother on earth, so she successfully assembled a village of supporters. One of her mottos that she lived by was “Got to Get Home to Jace”. No matter where she was, Cathryn said that she would always end her day with that in mind.

After Jace was born, she continued to enhance her entrepreneur endeavors by officially incorporating two businesses in the State of Ohio: Luxe Collection by Marie, LLC and The Kandy Koated Charm Loft business. Even though Cathryn struggled physically with Lupus, her products were predominately handmade or personally assembled into gift baskets. She sold items at craft shows, rented booths during different events, and hosted varies parties. Her products were made with love and that showed through the details of her work.

For downtime, Cathryn immensely enjoyed attending paint and sips, watching live comedy shows, shopping and planning mother/daughter days, reading novels, watching movies either at home or at the theater, dining out and taking pictures with her best friends, and having late night talks with various family members and friends who will sincerely miss those special phone conversations.

So now that the sun has set peacefully on Cathryn Marie Allen, she would deeply appreciate if her village continues to uplift her name in a positive light for Jace. And for everyone that knew Cathryn, don’t forget to smile when you see the sunshine because you will know that she is working with God in heaven to make the world a lot brighter.

Cathryn leaves to celebrate her life: a precious son, Jace Kashmere Tate; her loving parents, Kim A. Wynn and Ricky Allen (Reba); Kash and the Tate Family; five godmothers (Heidi Barham, Cythnia Hayes, Sharyn Springston, Lorna Wingate, and Allyson Brooks); her papa Reginald Christian; the Wynn Family and uncle Antoine Wynn and auntie Kalimah Johnson; the Mitchell Family (Venetia “auntie”, Tim, & Terrell, her little big cousin); the Grant Family and uncle Calvin, auntie Connie, Calvette, and Carlin; special cousins Cynthia Starks (Richard), Nieshia (Marlon), Nick (Chernita) & Chris; the Allen Family and uncle Charles; the Issacs Family and Wendy; godson Chris, and a host of awesome and dear cousins, uncles, aunts, best friends (Kim, Courtney (cousin), Janice, and Dalanna) and other close friends, Granny Vanita and Grandpa who helped with Jace at an early age, special teachers, and the helpful mentors she had throughout her life.

Cathryn is preceded in death by her grandparents L.C. & Margaret Wynn and Paul & Mildred Allen; aunt Yinitrus Wynn (“Niecie”) and uncle Lincoln Wynn (“Linc”); and two special family friends Mr. & Mrs. Juanita Brinson.