Allison M. Rockey
Obituary
Allison Rockey, 43, of Washington, DC, passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Allison is survived by her partner Paolo Cozzi, her mother Linda Rockey, her father David Rockey, and her stepmother Tamara Rockey.
Allison was kind, brilliant, and endlessly creative. She loved deeply and showed it through consistent, intentional, and thoughtful actions. Through her love and commitment, Allison built sisterhoods of dear friends and caring communities at every stage of her life. She is deeply missed by the many who loved her.
Allison graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Michigan, and from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. After volunteering with the Obama campaign in Grand Haven, Michigan, in 2007—and fatefully meeting organizer Paolo Cozzi—she moved to Washington, DC, in 2009 to work in digital communications with the progressive ad agency Blue State. In 2014, she joined the founding team of the explanatory news site Vox.com as Engagement Editor. Over eight years, she was a creative force shaping the breadth and reach of Vox’s journalism, rising up the ranks to ultimately become a Vice President in 2020. Allison cared deeply about the power and potential of good journalism as an engine for informed citizens, good policy, and a more just world. In 2022, she launched her own business as a digital media consultant. She loved helping her clients, from individuals to large non-profits, make a meaningful impact in the world, and she was damn good at it.
Following years of friendship, Paolo and Allison finally started dating in 2015 and entered a Domestic Partnership in 2017. They lived in Northwest Washington, D.C., where they formed a happy family with Linda and their sweet dog, Archie. Allison loved DC and cared deeply about justice for the diverse residents of the District.
In April 2024, Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought cancer with all of the medical interventions possible and with an inspiring commitment to caring for herself through nutrition, movement, and meditation. In March of 2025, her medical team pronounced her cancer-free. But the following month, after testing prompted by back pain and headaches, tumors were discovered in her brain and on her spine. Her passing came faster than anyone anticipated, less than two months after learning that the cancer had spread.
Allison was clear that she wanted to be remembered for how she lived, not how she died.
She was committed to living her core values, including non-conformity, growth, humor, love, social connection, creativity, justice, courage, health, and purpose. She loved helping others discern their own values and live them fully.
She was the type of partner, daughter, friend, and colleague who deeply and intentionally cared for her people with both sentiment and action. She reached out. She listened. She challenged those she loved to care for themselves and to trust themselves to take big leaps. She was the friend who pushed us to apply for the job, negotiate the salary, take the trip, and remember to take a walk outside.
She was incredibly fun. She loved to laugh, and she found joy every day, especially through Paolo, Linda, and Archie.
Allison did not want a traditional funeral. Paolo is hosting a simple visitation on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm at their home in Washington, DC. All are welcome to come to be together and remember Allison.
The memorial page can also serve as a space for people to share memories of Allison and messages to her loved ones.
www.online-tribute.com/AllisonRockey
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Allison, please consider giving to FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered). FORCE engages in education, support, advocacy, and research efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancers, including those carrying the BARD1 gene mutation that caused Allison’s cancer. A donation to FORCE helps to advocate for awareness, access to care, and better treatment and prevention options.
https://teamforce.facingourrisk.org/campaign/force-tribute-gifts/c514470
Memory wall
We encourage you to share memories and photos of Allison and messages to her loved ones.
June 28, 2025
I met Allison while we were both working at Blue State Digital. I was based in the London office, and I think we must have first come across each other working on the same client project.
As with so many others, she made an instant impact (so funny, clever, so much joy radiated from her) and then I remember on my first visit to DC falling in love with her in-person and becoming bonafide friends.
On my second visit to DC, I stayed at her apartment, and we talked late into the night (even on the school nights) about everything from politics to films and therapy. Some months later she came to London where we introduced her to Greek yoghurt (I can't capture the exquisite appreciate on her face in words) and put the rights to world some more.
At the forefront of my mind is also a trip we took to Chicago in 2012 to visit friends working on the campaign, and where she took me to my second ever baseball game. It was a truly magical weekend.
When I think of Allison, I think of her infectious smile, her sharp insight, her thoughtfulness, her kindness and generosity. I also remember how much she made me laugh and to steal Laura Olin's phase, what a brilliant shit-talker she was.
There are only a very few people where I've had such an instant connection as with Allison. Her friendship in my 20s had a profound impact on me, and shaped the person I've grown into.
She was an extraordinary woman who I adored and who I wished I had got to spend more time with.
As with so many others, she made an instant impact (so funny, clever, so much joy radiated from her) and then I remember on my first visit to DC falling in love with her in-person and becoming bonafide friends.
On my second visit to DC, I stayed at her apartment, and we talked late into the night (even on the school nights) about everything from politics to films and therapy. Some months later she came to London where we introduced her to Greek yoghurt (I can't capture the exquisite appreciate on her face in words) and put the rights to world some more.
At the forefront of my mind is also a trip we took to Chicago in 2012 to visit friends working on the campaign, and where she took me to my second ever baseball game. It was a truly magical weekend.
When I think of Allison, I think of her infectious smile, her sharp insight, her thoughtfulness, her kindness and generosity. I also remember how much she made me laugh and to steal Laura Olin's phase, what a brilliant shit-talker she was.
There are only a very few people where I've had such an instant connection as with Allison. Her friendship in my 20s had a profound impact on me, and shaped the person I've grown into.
She was an extraordinary woman who I adored and who I wished I had got to spend more time with.
June 24, 2025
I met Allison in late March of this year, when we were introduced by mutual friends because I was about to start treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I spoke to her on the phone for a long time in early April, a few days after my first chemo session, and she was so kind and so helpful. I’m also being treated at Georgetown, and she told me who her favorite medical assistants and nurses were (and spoke so highly of the entire staff), and shared all kinds of tips and so much encouragement. She gave me her ice gloves and socks from chemo, and offered to give me her wigs. In the short time I knew her, she was so generous, kind and funny. It will be no surprise to those who knew her that she was a favorite among the medical assistants and nurses who cared for her for the 10 or so months she was being treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I think about Allison all the time, and I’m so grateful I got to meet her. Sending so much love and condolences to all of her loved ones.
June 23, 2025
I worked with Allison at Vox Media. Allison was one of those people you never forget. She was so good at what she did. She understood audiences and brand and could articulate this mission so clearly. Allison was also incredibly kind and generous and she had the ability to make anyone feel seen. We will miss you dear Allison.
June 23, 2025
My dearest Allison.
You have been such a great part of our lives.
We will miss you - like crazy.
You have been such a great part of our lives.
We will miss you - like crazy.
June 18, 2025
Allison was a part of C3 in Spring Lake, Michigan at an important time in its development, and I remember when she was leaving for her new job. She struck me as someone with a bright future! I didn't know her well, but was always excited and hopeful for her when I would hear about a new stage in her career. I was very saddened to hear of her death. She has left a wonderful legacy, and touched many lives. She definitely made a difference in the world, and used her time here well. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
June 14, 2025
Allison,
Remember the night of the derecho? We went to dinner at Thaitanic and walked out into an upside down world. The whole time we’d been inside, laughing, talking — aware it was raining heavily, but not much more than that. Turns out, we sat unknowingly through an incredibly historic weather event. I have one photo from that night — you caught that the napkin matched my nail polish. I’d been in DC about two weeks at this point. I was your newest hire. You were my first friend.
For years I relied on how easy it was to talk to you. How effortlessly the conversation would flow, from shallow ends to deep ones. How quickly we could shut out the world — even the kind of weather that takes down trees and flips newspaper vending boxes. How easy it was to focus, have fun, solve a problem, even disagree. You were always fully present, as a friend, as a mentor.
You saw so much that other people didn’t. In a literal sense, you were always ready to document a moment — the beautiful thing, the funny thing, the joyful thing, even the small coincidences, like color matching nail polish and dinner napkins. Typically you’d be the first of all of us to say, “wait let me get a picture... of you two… of the dogs… of all of us together…” You also had a way of seeing into people. You saw their power, potential, greatness. Even when they couldn’t.
Thirteen years ago, probably not long after that derecho dinner, I sat in front of a blank Google document, in tears. I told you, “I can’t do it.” I simply couldn’t write the memo you asked me for; I didn’t know where to start, or how; I couldn’t fathom that I knew enough to fill that page, never mind more than one. You were so calm. You were so kind. And you were direct. “Katie, you know what you’re doing. You know what to say.” I don’t know that I did, really — but, I trusted you, and you said I did, so I believed you. Over the years, a number of people have come to me with an assignment saying, “I can’t do it.” So, I tell them that story. About the time I said that to my first manager at Blue State. Then I tell them I believe they can do it, and that they know what they’re doing.
Thank you for believing in me, Allison. Thank you for your friendship, your sense of humor, your generosity, your knowledge, your confidence. Thank you for always taking a picture. For always celebrating a birthday. For always making time to talk. For listening.
I’m still trying to process this new reality, the one without you in it, because everywhere I look, there are traces of you — in my friendships and in my work. Maybe it’s just like the pictures you took when something caught your eye — you’re not visible, but you’re the whole reason there’s a photo at all.
Remember the night of the derecho? We went to dinner at Thaitanic and walked out into an upside down world. The whole time we’d been inside, laughing, talking — aware it was raining heavily, but not much more than that. Turns out, we sat unknowingly through an incredibly historic weather event. I have one photo from that night — you caught that the napkin matched my nail polish. I’d been in DC about two weeks at this point. I was your newest hire. You were my first friend.
For years I relied on how easy it was to talk to you. How effortlessly the conversation would flow, from shallow ends to deep ones. How quickly we could shut out the world — even the kind of weather that takes down trees and flips newspaper vending boxes. How easy it was to focus, have fun, solve a problem, even disagree. You were always fully present, as a friend, as a mentor.
You saw so much that other people didn’t. In a literal sense, you were always ready to document a moment — the beautiful thing, the funny thing, the joyful thing, even the small coincidences, like color matching nail polish and dinner napkins. Typically you’d be the first of all of us to say, “wait let me get a picture... of you two… of the dogs… of all of us together…” You also had a way of seeing into people. You saw their power, potential, greatness. Even when they couldn’t.
Thirteen years ago, probably not long after that derecho dinner, I sat in front of a blank Google document, in tears. I told you, “I can’t do it.” I simply couldn’t write the memo you asked me for; I didn’t know where to start, or how; I couldn’t fathom that I knew enough to fill that page, never mind more than one. You were so calm. You were so kind. And you were direct. “Katie, you know what you’re doing. You know what to say.” I don’t know that I did, really — but, I trusted you, and you said I did, so I believed you. Over the years, a number of people have come to me with an assignment saying, “I can’t do it.” So, I tell them that story. About the time I said that to my first manager at Blue State. Then I tell them I believe they can do it, and that they know what they’re doing.
Thank you for believing in me, Allison. Thank you for your friendship, your sense of humor, your generosity, your knowledge, your confidence. Thank you for always taking a picture. For always celebrating a birthday. For always making time to talk. For listening.
I’m still trying to process this new reality, the one without you in it, because everywhere I look, there are traces of you — in my friendships and in my work. Maybe it’s just like the pictures you took when something caught your eye — you’re not visible, but you’re the whole reason there’s a photo at all.
June 11, 2025
Allison and I met at a volunteer meeting in Muskegon, MI, for Barack Obama's first presidential campaign in 2007, led by Paolo Cozzi. Allison and I, both living in Grand Haven, immediately hit it off. We were told the campaign planned for offices only in Muskegon and Holland, but we, along with other passionate advocates like Tim Meyer and Hilary Grant, fought for a Grand Haven location, and we succeeded. Not only that, our group of volunteers worked diligently, and the city of Grand Haven voted blue for the first time in its history, helping Obama win. We celebrated, and Allison and I were lucky enough to secure tickets to the inauguration. We made the trek to DC, staying with her friend Lauren, attended the concert at the Lincoln Memorial featuring U2 and Stevie Wonder, and the next day, watched Obama's swearing in ceremony on my 41st birthday. It was one of my life's highlights. While there, we also met up with Paolo for a drink to celebrate, and soon after Allison soon moved to DC to pursue bigger and better things. Because of distance and busy lives, we kept loosely in touch over the years through texts and social media, and I watched as she became an incredible force in the communications field, and later, as she and Paolo reconnected, and created a beautiful life and partnership together. Her death has hit me hard for a lot of reasons. This probably speaks mostly to the incredible person that she was, and the impact that she had on me for an all-to-brief time in my life. I will remember her with love and fondness, always.
June 11, 2025
Allison and I met at the Vox offices in DC. We worked in separate parts of the company, but got to know each other over a mutual interest in vegetarian recipes and the movie Troop Beverly Hills. She’s the only person I ever met who loved that movie as much as I did. It was silly fun, but anytime I saw that it was on TV, I’d tag her on social media because it was a fun shared thing. I’ll miss Allison, but every time I watch it, I’ll be thinking of her.
June 11, 2025
Allison was such an an extraordinary collaborator: in our time at Vox, I always found her to be calm, creative, no bullshit, ready to fuck shit up if that's what it took, but also keenly aware of when that was not the way. She was so often the kind of leader I wanted to be, and I know I learned so much from working alongside her. I am tremendously saddened by her passing, and so intensely grateful that I got to know her.
June 11, 2025
I was introduced to Allison a couple of years ago through a mutual contact. We connected so quickly and easily, and I know that was all Allison. I wish I’d met her earlier, and known her longer. I also wish I’d gotten the chance to work with her on a project - I could tell even over Zoom how creative, emotionally intelligent, and committed she was. She brought a real sense of joy to every conversation.
My condolences to her family and friends, and may her light continue to shine.
My condolences to her family and friends, and may her light continue to shine.
June 11, 2025
I met Allison in swim class WAY back in the day. She was two years older than me (but only one grade ahead of me) and I remember thinking she was so cool and sophisticated. The best part was…..she wanted to be friends with me! I thought it was so cool to have a friend with the same name.
Allison was always living life to the fullest, always treating people well, and doing so many creative things. I hope her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Allison was always living life to the fullest, always treating people well, and doing so many creative things. I hope her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
June 10, 2025
I am Kathy Rockey. Allison was my niece . Her parents, Linda and Dave, have been in my life for more than 50 years. Allison was not only a combination of the best of both of her parents, but most certainly a definitive person in her own right (as most who knew her can attest). She was never destined to remain in Mason, MI, but sought out a career in DC where she felt she could use her talents to make this a better world. It is no easy task for those of us from “fly-over country” to be successful and respected on either coast. Allison accomplished that at Vox. Allison’s mother and I have remained close friends since before Allison was born. I join Paolo, family and friends in mourning her death after her heroic battle against cancer.
June 9, 2025
I will forever be thankful to have met Allison in 2014, as we were both jumping into the deep end of a new kind of pool at Vox. And it was not only a hugely important chapter, but an extremely exciting and fun one, one where any number of insane things could be laughed off given the fun of it in a larger way.
And Allison helped everybody so much with that sense of joy – she was the most ebullient, optimistic user of curse words I'd ever encountered before. Allison had to wear so many hats during the early days of Vox, and she wore them well – but the one she would never, ever have taken off was as the joyful experience of her as a FAN. Describing things she was just immensely proud to be part of would set off the F-bombs. And I loved it so much.
As our lives continued on and we weren't working together every day any more, and then we both moved on from Vox, I failed to stay in touch and was unprepared to hear that she had passed. We had once plotted to get the old gang back together, and it breaks my heart to have failed to do this before life truly and fully moved on.
But she will always remain a huge part of what we were so lucky to build together. And she will stay with me as I set out to make new work with a newfound sense of privilege that all of us who were chosen to continue on share:
What would make Allison proud, again? Her sense of right and wrong was so strong and powerful and beautiful.
She once told me that she would forever be a fan. I'm sure other work friends got similar pep talks. Let's all do her, and everyone else who loved her, proud. <3
And Allison helped everybody so much with that sense of joy – she was the most ebullient, optimistic user of curse words I'd ever encountered before. Allison had to wear so many hats during the early days of Vox, and she wore them well – but the one she would never, ever have taken off was as the joyful experience of her as a FAN. Describing things she was just immensely proud to be part of would set off the F-bombs. And I loved it so much.
As our lives continued on and we weren't working together every day any more, and then we both moved on from Vox, I failed to stay in touch and was unprepared to hear that she had passed. We had once plotted to get the old gang back together, and it breaks my heart to have failed to do this before life truly and fully moved on.
But she will always remain a huge part of what we were so lucky to build together. And she will stay with me as I set out to make new work with a newfound sense of privilege that all of us who were chosen to continue on share:
What would make Allison proud, again? Her sense of right and wrong was so strong and powerful and beautiful.
She once told me that she would forever be a fan. I'm sure other work friends got similar pep talks. Let's all do her, and everyone else who loved her, proud. <3
June 8, 2025
June 8, 2025
Allison and I first met in the small waiting room at Georgetown Hospital Proton Radiology. Both from Michigan, and undergoing treatment, we made an immediate connection. I found Allison to be intelligent, open, welcoming and warm. She maintained a positive and hopeful attitude, but was also realistic and honest. We both enjoyed laughter and related to one another as peers, even though I am 35 years her senior. Our comradery developed quickly and soon we decided to be each other’s cancer buddy. Much of what I learned about this amazing woman I gleaned from Paolo’s beautifully written homage to his best friend and love. I also read the tributes sent from a myriad of Allison’s friends, both from childhood and in later years, classmates, colleagues, and relatives. All were replete with accolades. Thank you for sharing Allison with me for even a very short but meaningful time. I truly believe that meeting Allison where and when we did was not merely fortuitous. I will never forget her.
Allison and I first met in the small waiting room at Georgetown Hospital Proton Radiology. Both from Michigan, and undergoing treatment, we made an immediate connection. I found Allison to be intelligent, open, welcoming and warm. She maintained a positive and hopeful attitude, but was also realistic and honest. We both enjoyed laughter and related to one another as peers, even though I am 35 years her senior. Our comradery developed quickly and soon we decided to be each other’s cancer buddy. Much of what I learned about this amazing woman I gleaned from Paolo’s beautifully written homage to his best friend and love. I also read the tributes sent from a myriad of Allison’s friends, both from childhood and in later years, classmates, colleagues, and relatives. All were replete with accolades. Thank you for sharing Allison with me for even a very short but meaningful time. I truly believe that meeting Allison where and when we did was not merely fortuitous. I will never forget her.
June 8, 2025
Thirty years ago, on my first day of school in Mason, Mr. Lamphere called Allison down and said, “You two have the same name. You should be friends.” And somehow, that was all it took.
What luck to be given an Allison Rockey as an anchor. She made you feel included. She believed in you. She encouraged you. Like Caroline said in her message below, Allison happily shared everything: her friends, her parents, her house, her experiences.
I knew right away that Allison was different and meant for bigger things than our small Midwestern town could contain. While other 13-year-olds were taping up ripped-out pages from teen magazines, Allison’s bedroom wall held a poster of Martin Luther King Jr.
We reconnected in our 20s on Twitter and found ourselves bonding over the ways we were both trying to make sense of the world and our place in it. Deconstructing religion, diving deep into politics, but also trading thoughts on fun frivolous things like guys, vegetarianism, and Ugg boots.
I remember being mesmerized by the web-based resume she sent to Blue State Digital. I was still living in an analog, black-and-white, 12-point Times New Roman world and here came Allison, bold and brilliant, breaking every rule in the best way. Her resume was, I swear, brightly colored. It had her picture on it. Helvetica font. She fearlessly believed in herself just as fiercely as she always believed in others. So it was no surprise to learn she got the job and was moving to Washington DC.
The last time I saw Allison, she was filling me in on Paolo, this guy she had been dating. A year or so later, I cried happy tears when she announced that after a particularly shitty day for both of them, he asked her to marry him. The gist of the announcement was even though the day was awful, he said it was better simply because it was with her. I screenshot that post bc I wanted to remember that kind of love existed, and that Allison had found it.
I took for granted that as long as I knew where to find her in the world, there was no rush. No urgency. We had always picked up where we left off. Why would the next time be different?
To those of you who were close to her in these last ten years: when you catch your breath, when you’re ready, I hope you’ll share a story here too. Selfishly, I’m taking comfort in reading these messages, following the thread that ties us all together. From Mason to Holland to Grand Haven to D.C., Allison has made people feel seen, safe, and supported since she was a kid.
I love you Big Al.
What luck to be given an Allison Rockey as an anchor. She made you feel included. She believed in you. She encouraged you. Like Caroline said in her message below, Allison happily shared everything: her friends, her parents, her house, her experiences.
I knew right away that Allison was different and meant for bigger things than our small Midwestern town could contain. While other 13-year-olds were taping up ripped-out pages from teen magazines, Allison’s bedroom wall held a poster of Martin Luther King Jr.
We reconnected in our 20s on Twitter and found ourselves bonding over the ways we were both trying to make sense of the world and our place in it. Deconstructing religion, diving deep into politics, but also trading thoughts on fun frivolous things like guys, vegetarianism, and Ugg boots.
I remember being mesmerized by the web-based resume she sent to Blue State Digital. I was still living in an analog, black-and-white, 12-point Times New Roman world and here came Allison, bold and brilliant, breaking every rule in the best way. Her resume was, I swear, brightly colored. It had her picture on it. Helvetica font. She fearlessly believed in herself just as fiercely as she always believed in others. So it was no surprise to learn she got the job and was moving to Washington DC.
The last time I saw Allison, she was filling me in on Paolo, this guy she had been dating. A year or so later, I cried happy tears when she announced that after a particularly shitty day for both of them, he asked her to marry him. The gist of the announcement was even though the day was awful, he said it was better simply because it was with her. I screenshot that post bc I wanted to remember that kind of love existed, and that Allison had found it.
I took for granted that as long as I knew where to find her in the world, there was no rush. No urgency. We had always picked up where we left off. Why would the next time be different?
To those of you who were close to her in these last ten years: when you catch your breath, when you’re ready, I hope you’ll share a story here too. Selfishly, I’m taking comfort in reading these messages, following the thread that ties us all together. From Mason to Holland to Grand Haven to D.C., Allison has made people feel seen, safe, and supported since she was a kid.
I love you Big Al.
June 6, 2025
Allison was one of the first people I met when I moved to Mason and she made me feel at home at a time when I was incredibly out of place. She was so welcoming and shared her friend group with me, giving me countless incredible memories and laughs. I’ll always remember Allison for her sincerity, sense of humor, love, kindness, and intelligence. She was incredibly open-minded and spoke up for what was right. I am so grateful to have been her neighbor and friend. Allison, the entire Heubel family sends you love and gratitude for the light you shared with us.
June 6, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Allison at a 1 day breast cancer retreat. We entered the room as strangers (after only meeting briefly on zoom) and we left as sisters. We started as 10 women, now we are 9.
Somehow Allison managed in that short amount of time to touch my heart in ways that no one else has. We shared a commonality—we were both helping care for our own mothers medical issues when we found out about our own cancer diagnosis. Her last message to us in our group chat was such good news, so I incredibly saddened to hear of Allison’s passing on IG. Allison inspired me to continue living each day to the fullest. She gave me hope that I can continue caring for my family even when I’m sick myself. I’m grateful God allowed her to come into our lives for the brief time she was there, and forever changed by the way she touched us ur hearts. Many blessings to her family, she spoke so highly of you all.
Somehow Allison managed in that short amount of time to touch my heart in ways that no one else has. We shared a commonality—we were both helping care for our own mothers medical issues when we found out about our own cancer diagnosis. Her last message to us in our group chat was such good news, so I incredibly saddened to hear of Allison’s passing on IG. Allison inspired me to continue living each day to the fullest. She gave me hope that I can continue caring for my family even when I’m sick myself. I’m grateful God allowed her to come into our lives for the brief time she was there, and forever changed by the way she touched us ur hearts. Many blessings to her family, she spoke so highly of you all.
June 6, 2025
Allison was an incredibly kind person who inspired others to be more caring. I’m overcome with warmth when I remember her.
I met Allison during our time working on social media campaigns at Blue State. I sent a nerdy cold call email to the company and didn’t expect anyone to reply. But Allison replied to me and helped me get a job. I’m so thankful for our time together. I’ll miss her sunny spirit and humane leadership.
Sending lots of love to her family and loved ones <3
I met Allison during our time working on social media campaigns at Blue State. I sent a nerdy cold call email to the company and didn’t expect anyone to reply. But Allison replied to me and helped me get a job. I’m so thankful for our time together. I’ll miss her sunny spirit and humane leadership.
Sending lots of love to her family and loved ones <3
June 6, 2025
Allison was one of my closest friends from elementary all the way through high school. We shared countless memories together. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend growing up. She was fiercely loyal and had an amazing way of making others feel included and loved. She was always the leader of our girl gang. Her house was the main hangout and we spent endless hours talking, laughing, and scheming our next adventure. I’ll forever be thankful for her friendship and all the memories we had together.
To Paolo, Linda, & Dave - Thinking of you all during this incredibly difficult time. Please know you are all in my prayers.
To Paolo, Linda, & Dave - Thinking of you all during this incredibly difficult time. Please know you are all in my prayers.
June 6, 2025
I met Allison when I joined Blue State, and her team specifically, in 2010. She was an incredible teammate, making me feel welcome and helping me learn the ropes as we drafted, proofed, and sent emails out to millions of people all over the world -- usually with a single, pressure-filled click. When I visited the DC office, one of my favorite memories from my time at Blue State was when I visited the DC office, and Allison invited me to accompany her to a talk that evening to hear Mark Bittman speak at Sixth and I. I went back to NYC the next day, and that was probably the only time we had a casual hang, just the two of us. But I'll always remember the sweetness, warmth, and wisdom that she carried with her every day and so generously shared.
June 5, 2025
Allison and I met in middle school. She told me that she thought we should be friends at the end of 6th grade and I am beyond thankful she did. She called and invited me over and the rest is history. There is not a memory I have from my middle school and high school years that doesn’t include Allison. She was strong and fierce from the moment I met her. She spoke her mind and gave her opinion. She refused to remain quiet about something she felt was important and she encouraged all to do the same. I am proud to have been her friend. I love you, Allison.
June 5, 2025
Allison, even though my memories of you were from when I was a child and the few brief moments of passing in my teens and early adulthood, I was always amazed by you. I’ve typed this sentence out 3 times but the best way I can describe it is Allison was the epitome of the color yellow to me. No matter what was going on when you were around everything was calm, happy, and light. I have always been inspired by the woman you became but always were even if it was from afar. Dedicated, patient, incredibly smart, beautiful and loved by many. Whenever grandpa Dave or grandma Tammi said “Allison is going to be there!” Or “Allison is going to be joining us!” A big grin would find my face and I would be so excited. I’m sorry that so much of our time was in passing or brief moments when it comes down to how many we have in life, how grateful I am to have shared them with such a beautiful soul as yours.
June 5, 2025
To Aunt Allison,
June 4, 2025
I met Allison when I was placed on the same Young Life team as her during college. She was just incredible at getting to know students at Hamilton HS and investing in them, but she also did the same for me, and we grew so much closer as we led together for two years. I am shocked and so sad to hear this news, as we hadn’t been in contact recently - but it is amazing and so wonderful to read about how she continued to be such a relational and amazing person after we left Hope College. My condolences to Paolo and Linda - what a star Allison was!
June 4, 2025
I was living in Washington DC when Allison accepted the job at Blue State and decide to make the big move to the city from Grand Haven, MI. She came for a scouting trip to find an apartment, and we wandered the city armed with a list of possibilities. It was tough on that entry-level salary, but she maintained optimism as we trudged from one sad small apartment to another, eventually finding something tolerable. I was just thrilled my dear friend was moving to my city! But I was also nervous, because that weekend I planed to tell Allison that I was pregnant, and even though I knew she would be thrilled for Dustin and I, I was worried for both her and I about what a baby would do to to our friendship. Of course, Allison turned out to be the most amazing friend any new mom could ask for. She was always up for an outing with Daphne and I, making sure we didn't stay cooped up in the apartment. She was Daphne's first and greatest photographer, capturing my bald big-eyed baby all over the city. We left DC when Daphne was 2, right after the birthday party where Allison made the perfect Elmo cupcakes. There has been lots to love about raising our family in Michigan, but I have always missed wandering the city with Allison and Daphne. That regular time together was the hardest thing I gave up in our move back to the Midwest.
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If you would like to give in memory of Allison, please consider giving to FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered). FORCE engages in education, support, advocacy, and research efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancers, including those carrying the BARD1 gene mutation like Allison. A donation to FORCE helps to advocate for awareness, access to care, and better treatment and prevention options.
You can give a gift to FORCE in memory of Allison Rockey at https://teamforce.facingourrisk.org/campaign/force-tribute-gifts/c514470
You can give a gift to FORCE in memory of Allison Rockey at https://teamforce.facingourrisk.org/campaign/force-tribute-gifts/c514470
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