Doherty Memorial Fund for Avalon Doherty

Hi, my name is Frida and I am fundraising for Avalon Doherty, or Avi as she is called by friends and family. Avi is my children’s best friend. Avi is a beautiful and sweet 11-year-old that only at the age of 11 has tragically lost both her parents. Her father Paul Doherty passed away unexpectedly on April 2nd 2023. Her mother Melissa Doherty tragically passed away in July 2020 after a battle with breast cancer. Thankfully Avi has loving aunts and uncles that have taken her under their wing. But that doesn’t change the fact that only at the age of 11 she has essentially been orphaned. She has endured more than anyone should only at the age of 11.

Paul and Melissa met in 1995 at Cook’s Corner historic biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, CA. Legend has it when she first spoke to Paul, Melissa told her big brother that some guy with a fake accent was trying to hit on her. Chris confronted the imposter only to discover that Paul was legit. After her initial surprise, Melissa and Paul hit it off and were soon inseparable. They tied the knot in Tahoe in 1996. They loved the Canyon life for its serenity, activities like car shows and concerts in the park, and strong sense of community.

Melissa Annette (Malvin) Doherty was born 05/06/1968 raised in Anaheim, CA.

Melissa studied to become a certified esthetician and was fierce sales representative for Young Living essential oils. But her proudest achievement and primary occupation was being a stay-at-home mom to Avalon. Melissa loved cats, music, and thrift store shopping. She devoted herself to homeschooling, and enjoyed making elaborate Halloween costumes and essential oil gifts for friends and family. She was a creative, fierce, loyal, and loving force to be reckoned with.

Paul Gerard Doherty was born 01/25/1966 and raised in Omagh, Ireland.

Paul played guitar in a punk rock band, loved street bikes and the North West 200 motorcycle race. He came to America 1990 with nothing but hope for a better life, but he worked his tail off and ended up living the American Dream. Paul did odd jobs in construction and alarm systems before landing an electrical apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman. He worked at both Saddleback College and University of CA, Irvine but ultimately found his fit at Cal Poly Pomona. Paul was known for his dimpled smile, cheeky sense of humor, and sidesplitting storytelling.

Melissa and Paul longed to have children and suffered several heartbreaking attempts over the course of many years. They had almost given up hope when - at last - along came Avalon in 2011. Paul and Melissa were ecstatic. Avi quickly became the center of their universe and light of their life and their family was finally complete. But sadly, their family bliss didn’t last long.

I am doing this fundraiser because me and my family love Avi very much. We need your help to rally around Avi, this brave and sweet little girl who is now in the care of Melissa’s brother Chris and his wife Robin. Avalon’s remaining family has stepped in to love and raise her, but they need your donations to help cover the legal costs of guardianship and probate, establishing a trust in Avi’s name, unpaid medical bills, funeral expenses, and the list goes on.

When tragedy hits, especially a loss as big as this one, it can leave families in shambles. But on top of dealing with the immeasurable grief, there is also the stress of added finances. Please find it in your heart to donate to the Doherty Memorial Fund during this difficult time. Thank you and God bless you for your contribution, it means everything to this family.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and your contributions are very much appreciated. I sincerely thank you.