Walnut Creek

Shannon Lynch Merrill, of Walnut Creek CA, died peacefully following a brief illness on December 8, 2024.Born the eldest of four siblings on November 14, 1943, Shannon began life in the Los Angeles home of her maternal grandparents, whom she adored. Following his return from service in World War II, Shannon’s father, William Dickey “Dick” Lynch, was employed as a radio operator, including a stint on the ground crew of the Goodyear Blimp. This job allowed the young family much time on the road and provided many memorable adventures, including a ride in the blimp, which Shannon delighted in sharing. A graduate of Palmdale High School, Shannon went on to earn a BA in science from San Jose State University before pursuing graduate work and earning a teaching credential. An excellent teacher with an innate ability to stimulate the minds of her students, Shannon taught high school science classes for decades and later, as an educator through UC Berkely and California State University East Bay in Hayward, she inspired a new generation of teachers with her enthusiastic love of learning. Married in 1977 to Richard “Dick” Merrill, the love of her life and a fellow educator, the couple worked together and independently to further the development of science education. An accomplished artist in the fields of jewelry, textiles and design, Shannon designed and crafted the wedding bands that were worn as a symbol of their lasting friendship. Inspired by her love of the ocean as amarine biologist, the design represented two waves coming together, while each remained an individual. A passion for world travel was central to Shannon’s existence. Early solo trips to Asia, Africa and Europe led to alifetime of traveling the globe with Dick, meeting new people and forging many lasting friendships along the way. Both active members of Hillcrest Congregational Church, Dick and Shannon’s involvement in the church brought them each a deep sense of purpose and connection to community. Shannon is survived by her loving husband, Richard Merrill, stepdaughters Vicki Merrill, Robin Merrill Payne and Christina Merrill, grandson Kevin Payne, brothers Timothy (Joene) and Terry Lynch and nephew Timothy Lynch II. We would be remiss if we didn’t include the beloved orange tabby cats, Leo and Mink, among those who miss her greatly.She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, Frances Elizabeth Bullock Lynch and William Dickey Lynch, brother Dennis Lynch, niece Keithlynn Lynch and stepdaughter Wendy Merrill. Shannon will be remembered as a warm, creative, dedicated and caring human being who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial to celebrate Shannon’s life will take place on Saturday, 2/22/25 at 11:00 am (Pacific Standard Time) at Hillcrest Congregational Church, 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA, with a reception to follow at the church. The service will also be livestreamed at that time, for those who cannot attend in person, at http://hillcrestucc.org/ In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillcrest Congregational Church, the Hillcrest Church Endowment Fund, or the charity of your choice. Shannon was especially interested in organizations that promoted animal and wildlife welfare, social justice, and environmental causes. Comments can be left at oakparkhillschapel.com.