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About
Margaret Doherty Obituary
A graduate of Pasadena High School in 1995, she went on to attend the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, where she completed the Baking and Pastry Arts program. Meg worked at a variety of restaurants and retail shops in Pasadena, though many may remember her from her bartending days at The 35er or R Place.
Meg had a unique and fierce personality and soul. She never shied away from sharing her opinions and was always strong in her convictions. She had a mischievous sense of humor and was known for giving the most thoughtful, often funny, gifts. Meg loved making her own spices and canned food, she baked the most delicious and beautiful desserts, and was an avid reader of social justice literature.
Meg was a loyal and generous friend to countless people. Some of her lifelong and closest friendships were forged on the playground at Assumption BVM. But she also established many genuine and lasting friendships through online communities, such as her local Facebook Buy Nothing group and the Avett Brothers groups. Music was especially important to Meg and many of her connections with people were based on their shared love of a particular band.
Meg was greeted in Heaven by her father John Doherty, step-father Lawrence Mackel, aunt Ann Johnston Skibinski, and her grandparents.
She is survived by her adoring mother, Gigi Johnston Doherty Mackel, brother Matthew Doherty (Monica), sister Anna Doherty Rivas (Andre), nieces Charlotte Doherty, Catherine Doherty, Annie Rivas, nephews John Doherty, Brendan Rivas, and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A proud childless cat lady, Meg also leaves behind her five cats: Indy, Stan, Houdini, Montana, and Dalai.
Never wanting to be the center of attention, Meg requested only a small, private family gathering in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pasadena Humane Society in honor of Meg's love of cats.
6 Entries
Steve Mackel
November 14, 2024
Meg was always gracious, fun, and a person that appreciated good-hearted sarcasm. I feel lucky that I am part of her family.
Justin
November 9, 2024
Out of the blue Meg asked if I wanted to take a drive up PCH. (If you ever had her drive you anywhere you know that was an adventure in itself!) We stopped at the Mystery Spot, had too much awesome bacon at the Worker Bee restaurant, walked out to her secret beach in Carpenteria and ended up staying with friends in Arcata. I'll never forget that day. I love you, Meg. I'll miss you.....
Jali Kitching
November 9, 2024
I will miss Meg. We shared cat pictures or cat Mom stories. I knew Meg from R Place, were she always had a bright smile. We would go to watch Sunday football. Meg made The Best Bloody Mary with asparagus. She shared her favorite music and adventures and we always had a fantastic time.
Fig White
November 9, 2024
Meg was one of our first Avett friends. I´ll never forget how she just walked up to us in the guild line one day and just started asking questions and talking and she loved our boys immediately. We loved sharing our love for the Dodgers. I´m grateful for her friendship all these years and really sad we didn´t get to go to a game together. Thank you Meg love you
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Amber Claborn
November 9, 2024
I met Meg at an Avett Brothers concert at Red Rocks in 2018, I believe. She sat next to me under a tree to watch the show, instead of the bleachers. I don't make friends easily, but with Meg, it was easy. She was a bright spot in a dark year for me. Her light was infectious and will continue to be. "To live in the hearts of those that you loved is not to die."
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