Catherine Anne Merrell

January 26, 1970 - February 24, 2021

The family of Catherine Anne Merrell, (Cathy) of Irvine, California, announces her passing on February 24, 2021 at the age of 51. Cathy was born on January 26, 1970 and grew up in San Juan Capistrano, California. As a young child she loved to learn new things and enjoyed reading fantasy adventure books. She joined the Girl Scouts where she learned useful skills and earned merit badges. Even as a youth Cathy was very organized. She enjoyed organizing her bedroom, and equipping areas for different tasks. Her interest in music began in elementary school when she had her first violin lessons. She continued to develop her musical talent throughout high school, during which she was the soloist for two different schools for the musical Fiddler on the Roof. As a young student she played in her school orchestra, the local South Coast Symphony orchestra, and received several performance awards. Upon graduating high school she attended Chapman University where she studied with renowned violin instructor Ann Thatcher. She later earned her music degree at Cal State Fullerton. After graduation, Cathy specialized in playing in string quartets. As a Violin and Cello teacher, Cathy organized home school orchestras, master classes, graded level evaluations and string quartets. She taught music in the Irvine School District and at Montessori Schools. She also spent time as an Instructional Teacher Aide for special needs students and regular students in the Capistrano School District and in Rancho Santa Margarita. As an instructor with Music Vault Academy, she taught many beginning students, helping them develop an excitement and passion for music through fun and innovative lessons. Cathy is survived by her Father, Thomas G. Merrell, San Juan Capistrano, California, two brothers David Thomas Merrell, his wife Alyson Bandy Merrell of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and John David Merrell, his wife Laura Hutchinson Merrell of Antelope, Oregon. One Nephew, Matthew David Merrell, and Niece, Kira Quinn Merrell. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Jo Ann Melnechuk Merrell in 2021 and a Niece, Kloe Grace Merrell, in 2015