Catherine McCreight Sheen

Catherine Sheen passed away early Tuesday morning, October 7, 2025, after facing her illness with extraordinary courage, intelligence, and grace. Her cancer metastasized 22 years after her original diagnosis, and since June 2024 she approached each day with gratitude and an unwavering spirit.

Catherine was born on July 28, 1944, and lived a full and remarkable life. She loved deeply and was deeply loved by her husband, Stan Mellin D.C.; her two sons, David Fiore and Adam Fiore; her two daughters-in-law Tami and Su Jae; her sister, Delia Sheen Hamlin; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and colleagues.

She was a single mother for ten years, during which she pursued higher education with determination—earning her bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree and PhD. At various times in her life, Catherine was fluent in Japanese, Italian, French and Spanish. When local Spanish speakers visited their home, Stan would say, “Mi esposa habla español,” and they would often reply that she spoke it better than they did.

Catherine’s career was as diverse as it was meaningful. She worked as a schoolteacher, barkeep, banker, Head of Employee Assistance at Levi Strauss, psychologist at Kaiser Hospital, and Director of the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program at her local hospital. In private practice, she helped a wide range of patients, and toward the end of her career, she specialized in evaluating and treating individuals in severe pain.

She loved travel. She and her husband spent 4 years journeying around the world. They shared countless adventures abroad and within, cherishing every new experience and culture they encountered.

Catherine found joy walking along the ocean with her walking group. Another passion was volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where she mentored many new guides. She also volunteered teaching English to non-native speakers.

Catherine was a beautiful woman who lived life gracefully, with gratitude and love for all beings. She and her husband, Stan, shared a profound connection during their 48 year marriage.

May she fly free.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on December 14th. See details below.

Please do not send flowers. If you wish to honor Catherine’s memory, donations may be made to the Jerry Rubin Foundation for Cancer Care at jerryrubinfoundationforcancercare.org or by clicking below.