October 8, 1970 - November 8, 2020
October 8, 1970 - November 8, 2020
Tessa Margaret Allwood died at home on Sunday, November 8, 2020, one month after her 50th birthday.
Tessa was born on October 8, 1970 in Lima, Peru to Patrick and Erika Allwood. She attended Salmon Arm Elementary School and following her graduation from Brocklehurst High School in Kamloops she took computer training at Okanagan College.
Well known and much loved in Salmon Arm, her home for most of her life, she was active in many aspects of Special Olympics, including bowling, Club Fitness, snow shoeing and, above all, basketball, where she earned two Gold Medals and scored the winning basket at the National Championships in Nova Scotia in 2018.
Throughout her life, she received support from Goshen Consultants, for which she and her family were most grateful.
Tessa loved swimming, theatre, the opera and all of life's celebrations. Her love of life was infectious. She touched many lives and was her mother's Sunshine. Her big hugs and winning smiles will be missed by all who knew her.
Tessa is survived by her mother and her aunt, Lotti. She was predeceased by Patrick in 2015 and her loving older brother Kevin in 1989.
Birthdays were always a cause for celebration, and in 1995 family friend Les Ellenor wrote the following:
Who is the girl who shows life's true measure? Tessa
Who smiles and gives thanks, as she shares her treasure? Tessa
Who takes away stress and buries day's pressure? Tessa
Who dances with joy in all kinds of weather? Tessa
Who greets with delight, making everything better? Tessa
Who deserves our birthday love today and forever? Tessa
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics, Salmon Arm branch, through the internet at Special Olympics Salmon Arm, then click the red DONATE button, or by mail at Special Olympics c/o Ernie Nelson 3081-30th St. NE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 3L1.