Allison “Sonny” was born on June 24, 1946 in Paterson, New Jersey to Mara (Chester) & Robert Walden. Allison grew up in Glen Rock and Hackensack before moving to the beloved “Jersey Shore.” As a student of Point Pleasant Beach High School, Allison was a cheerleader and worked at Kohr’s Frozen Custard in her spare time. Following high school, Allison attended Berkeley School of Secretarial Training in East Orange. Upon graduating, Allison shared a house with girlfriends in Newark and worked in the Rutgers University admissions department where she met her future husband, John Linfante, with whom she enjoyed fifty years of marriage.
As a wife and mother, Allison dedicated her life to her family. She was an amazing mom, rocking a teal tennis warm-up suit while carpooling to every basketball game, gymnastics meet, brownie troop meeting or cheerleading practice. She was also a loyal caregiver to her brother-in-law for 40 years and her husband, especially in the final years of his life. Allison enjoyed playing tennis, which she did for many years after she and John moved from Rutherford, NJ to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in 1994. As a resident of Marsh Landing and, subsequently Del Webb of Nocatee, Allison loved the life they built together and considered Florida home.
To know her was to love her. A caring, friendly, fun, strong, 5’ tall spitfire, Allison could shop ‘til she dropped and dance the night away. Her grandchildren will miss her hugs, coordinated ensembles and her perfume. Her daughters will cherish the memories they shared of weddings, family vacations, and holidays but, more so, will greatly miss their long talks about motherhood, friendship and life in general.
She is predeceased by her loving husband, John, who passed away in December 2020. She is survived by her three daughters: Lauren & Brian DeAlexandris of Jacksonville, FL, Allison & Bryan Christian of Tewksbury, NJ, Kimberly & Eric Blair of Fernandina Beach, FL; her brother, Robert “Bing” & Sunnie Walden; her brother-in-law, James Linfante; and her seven adoring grandchildren: Wyatt, John “Jackson,” Cooper, Colby, Benton, Katherine and Madison.
Condolences may be sent to 7239 San Pedro Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Allison’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
