MAGIC Executive Therese Allen Dies
Therese Allen, who served as group show director for MAGIC International, a subsidiary of Advanstar Communications Inc., died in Los Angeles at UCLA Medical Center on Aug. 6 of complications from breast cancer. She was 51.
Allen, who was born in Belize and moved to Los Angeles in 1976, resided with her husband, Alonzo, on the city’s Westside.
Allen joined MAGIC as an assistant shortly after arriving in the United States. Her co-workers said she rose steadily through the ranks, working in operations before accepting a position as show manager for MAGIC and MAGIC kids. Three years ago she was promoted to group show director.
Allen, who was diagnosed two years ago, loved to bake and garden. She always brought fresh vegetables to the office and shared gardening tips with co-workers.
Her co-workers described her as a very generous and nurturing woman. Co-worker and close friend Katie Schilling said Allen was a terrific mentor because she was very meticulous and encouraged her work ethic in others. “She was successful at her work and she wanted all of us to be successful in our positions. Her strength as a mentor was making sure that we could be the best in any role at MAGIC,” said Schilling, adding that it wasn’t above Allen to play a practical joke now and then either.
Allen had a good sense of humor, even when it was at her own expense.
Schilling remembers when Allen returned to work after receiving chemotherapy treatment. Her co-workers didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable so they planned to wear hats and scarves to work on the day of her return. Schilling forgot to wear a hat so she wrapped toilet paper on her head. When Allen saw her headpiece she gawked and then took a black felt pen to the toilet paper tail hanging on the back of Schilling’s head and wrote “Pierre Cardin.”
“She was trying to make me feel comfortable even though it was a difficult day for her,” Schilling remembered.
For many, Allen’s 16 years with MAGIC will not be easily forgotten.
“Therese displayed tremendous dedication to MAGIC and its customers,” said Joe Loggia, president and chief operating officer of Advanstar Communications. “Her contributions to the men’s apparel industry were limitless. We will miss her greatly.”
Mark Encinias, owner of Los Angeles-based distribution company Monta Mundo Worldwide, said he was honored to have had the opportunity to work with Allen when he was the account executive for MAGIC’s Edge section.
“She treated everyone equally and with the utmost respect and even though they didn’t always get what they wanted, they still felt that they were treated with special care,” he said.
Allen is survived by her two sons, Winston and Alex, stepson Conrad and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Therese Allen by calling (800) 227-2345. —Claudia Figueroa
