Shirley Alston Merhaut

Shirley was born to Amelia and Stewart Johnston. Her father was a chemist and educator, and her mother was a pianist. Her father’s work took them to the United States, where they lived in several states before settling in Pasadena, California. Shirley followed in her parents’ footsteps and became a teacher for 35 years with the Pasadena Unified School District.

In 1963, she married Milan Merhaut and became a stepmother to John Merhaut. In 1970, they had a daughter, Michelle. In 1975, they moved to Arcadia, California, until 1989, when they moved to San Clemente to enjoy their retirement years.

Shirley was part of many church chorus groups, including her beloved Adaline‘s chorus group, where she sang at many events for several years. She also taught piano, traveled, and enjoyed sunsets and her family.

Shirley was a very happy and optimistic person who loved to sing and dance and loved everything Scottish - from the food, the music, the songs and her favorite show, Outlander.

She played her piano for several hours a day up until the last couple months of her life, when she could not get downstairs anymore. Even though she lost some of her mobility, Shirley smiled everyday and remained joyful until her last days watching her favorites on TCM and living with her family and her beloved cat, Joey.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hlavac; son-in-law, Bob Hlavac; Darren Fisher; John and Frederique Merhaut; and her grandchildren Dylan Fisher, Travis Fisher , Nathalie Merhaut, and Jonathan Merhaut.

A funeral service for Shirley Alston Merhaut will be held at the Pacific View Mortuary Legacy Chapel, located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California, 92625. The service is scheduled for October 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at the Pacific View Memorial Park, Del Mar Gardens, at the same address.