I've been thinking about you a lot recently, reminiscing about our dual enrollment days. We would always tell each other we'd watch the recording later and instead goof off in Clifton. Then we'd cram at the last minute, somehow still managing to get decent grades. We laughed about the dumbest things, which was so relieving at times. During that confusing period of our lives, it was wonderful to have you around to let loose and be ourselves without judgment.

I'm realizing more and more how much of an impact you made on me. I needed a friend like you during that time of my life. Thank you for being so kind and always there when I needed you. As I said before, you may be gone now, but your impact on this world will forever live on in the friends and family you touched.

Thank you. Love you. Miss you.

- Aaron. 

missing you the most recently. missing your sweet smile and hearing your laughter.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cottrell:

I believe that I was one of Caitlin's elementary school teachers.

I want to express my deepest condolences at the all-too-soon, tragic passing of your daughter.

Caitlin was a sweet student who definitely added light and kindness to our class community.  

No words can assuage your loss.  That said, we have this hope that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones in a place where there is no mourning or pain.

My Sympathies,

Dan Zachary
Former Fairview Teacher

To Cait,

I met you at a low low time in my life. Your energy and spirit lifted me instantly. I felt so drawn to your light. You gave me hope and helped me out of the sadness in which I was wallowing. I know God put you in my path purposely. I fell in love with you and I was so blessed to have had you share a little of my life. I was hoping that we could have more time together but I know you are not suffering and hurting anymore. I welcome the Angel I know you are to always be with me.  You are so loved and so missed.

You will be in my heart forever.

To the Cottrell’s,

Thank you for allowing Cait to be my friend. You have my deepest condolences. She was so very special and I loved her very much.

Love,
Unice Hsu

So incredibly sorry for your loss.  She was a beautiful and accomplished person--we are all impacted by the loss of such a wonderful soul.  Sending prayers and love--and wishing you peace.
Lita Mellon (former neighbor)

Caitlin was my manager at the Oaks, the pool we worked together at as lifeguards in 2018. From my experience with her, she was an amazing girl and incredibly caring. She took our job seriously and held us to a standard. I remember she told me that I had made work easier for her, which was a sweet comment that I will always remember and hold on to whenever I think of her. It made me feel appreciated in a rough time period for me. I once walked in to the pump room to find her crying alone. I wasn't sure what was going on or what to do, so I just gave her a hug. We held on to each other for a good while. I will never forget that much needed hug for the both of us. I know you are in God's hands now and I can't wait to see you again one day Caitlin. Rest in heavenly peace.



Caitlin,

I got to know you a little bit through my roommate. You guys would come visit me at my job, and we would just have a good time talking and getting to know each other. You always had a smile on your face! You will be missed my many. Rest easy Queen



I’m so sorry to hear of Caitlin’s passing. I was Caitlin’s RA her first year at Mason. She was extremely bright and intelligent. I remember us talking about her majoring in Statistics, and even though she knew it would’ve been challenging, but she was up for it. A beautiful soul gone way too soon..

I’m praying for all of Caitlin’s loved ones during this difficult time. I pray for your comfort, healing, and strength.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted”
- Matthew 5:4

I remember meeting Caitlin back when we worked at Rosemary Thyme Bistro, I helped her train as a server and first impression I thought of her was how bubbly and friendly she was to everyone. She really knew how to brighten a room with her smile. She will be greatly missed and sending my deepest sympathies to her families and friends. 

Your funeral was no easy day, Caitlin you are loved and missed by so many people. I will always cherish the time we had together and be thankful that you were part of my life. Rest easy, my dear friend ❤️

Caitlin, 

You were a good-hearted person. You were smart and you were kind.

Above all. you were a friend. 

You made the yearbook room a brighter, happier space.

You will be missed always.


I hope you are at peace and am thinking of you and your family during this time. 

Noel, Linda and Olivia,

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. 

Caitlin touched the lives of so many and brought love, laughter and kindness wherever she went.

Sending you love and strength during this heartbreaking time.

All Our Love 

Lawrence, Michelle, Connor, Luke & Josh xxxxx





Always there to provide loving hugs after an exam.

That cheeky smile, you knew what Connor was up to!

Caitlin,

You were there from the very beginning of our martial arts journey and to the very end. Whether it be as a teacher, a friend or a student, you helped everyone one of us achieve this goal, thank you for always being there.

We will treasure these memories forever.

Noel, Linda, and Olivia - 

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. I remember Caitlin as the tough girl that Morgan looked up to at TKD. She was full of grit and determination.  Our hearts are just broken for you. We are just so sorry. 
- Dan, Shannon, Morgan, and Rae Hicok 

Caitlin was our summer nanny in 2018, she did an amazing job and we considered her as our family. We are shocked and saddened with this terrible news. Our prayers to the Cottrell family, we are so sorry for your loss of Caitlin. 🙏🏻

My deepest condolences. Caitlin you were such a bright soul to everyone and always lived your life to the fullest. I will forever carry the wonderful & fun memories we have together. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. 

Caitlin,

You were the first friend I made when I moved to Virginia in 2010. We both attended Fairview Elementary and even though we didn’t have any classes together, we always had fun conversations. Even though we touch over the years, I would never forget my first Virginia friend. Heaven has gained an angel. Thank you for your friendship and I will see you again. Rest easy.

My sweet niece Caitlin
I'm so heartbroken about you being gone especially when I know you're a part of my family. Incredibly sad that I never got to meet and talk to you. I wish I had a chance to see and hug you but it was hard because we were so far apart. But heaven gained another angel and I'll always keep you in my heart. That way I'll have you with me everywhere I go. I know we'll meet in heaven when it's my time. Until then please send us some signs every now and then. I love you Caitlin Ashley. 
 
Miriam Huong from Switzerland

Cottrell Family ,

--Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. 

--Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Love , 
Maribeth Vargas 
Mikhail Vargas 

Cait was so bubbly and sweet, I’m so lucky to have met her. We didn’t go to the same high school but we did end up having so many mutual friends we were bound to find each other and become friends as well. I will never forget how easy it was for you to light up any room you walked into, being able to make a joke out of anything and keep a smile on everyone’s face. 
Rest easy angel, we miss you already.

we got matching hats just to take these pictures :,)

My Sweet Caitlin!! You have shed light into Abigail world with your kindness, patient, and dedication by transforming a little girl that is fear of water into a mermaid. You had given us valuable feedback on our choices of year round swim team for Fiona.  We love how much you share with us about your yearly family trip to Chincoteague Island. You will be miss dearly. We love you very much!

Molly was our favorite roommate! The sweetest and prettiest dog, she always loved to play and protected us from any strangers who came through the door. Never a dull moment with this group!

Caitlin and I waving to other boats passing by on the best trip of our lives. This summer was full of fun. We had prom, the BVI trip, grad parties, bonfires, and so much more. Spending senior year with her was truly priceless and I am so thankful to have had such a smart, caring friend. I still have yet to meet someone else with such a pure loving heart. I love you forever 💘

This was our last selfie before we left St. Thomas to head to our yacht. The weather was perfect, and we were so excited to be on an island together. We had no idea how much fun we were about to have!!

During the summer of 2020, Caitlin was living in a townhome in Fairfax with some of her classmates. They had an extra room upstairs and they let me move in for the summer. Caitlin and I got to be roommates for the first time and every minute of it was a BLAST. We braided each others hair, made bracelets, made resin art, cooked dinners, and just did everything together. Caitlin was there when I had gotten the call to start my dream job, and she held my hands and jumped up and down with me screaming in celebration. She was so happy for me, and she supported me every step of the way. Living with her was one of the best times of my life. 

Here is Caitlin at the International show 2019. She had directed the East Asia scene the year before and was kind enough to not only come support us after she had graduated the year before but she had even come early to help some of us apply fake eyelashes. 
Caitlin was always so kind and caring. She had always advocated for self expression and I knew I could always count on her. 
The last time I had talked to her, I had texted her how much this particular piercing would cost so I was sure I wasn’t being scammed. I will always think of her now when I see that piercing :) 
I love you so much Caitlin, I always will<3

My name is Megan Le and some of my best memories of high school were made with Caitlin. She was 2 years older than me and she felt like an older sister because of how caring and smart she was. This picture was taken at the International Show of 2018 and Caitlin was the scene director for East Asia. It was such a fun experience because of Caitlin. During our practices we’d goof off and gossip about anything and everything, but somehow managed to pull off an amazing performance. 

Caitlin and I also worked as lifeguards during the summer, and she was actually the one who told me to work with her. I have a fond memory of visiting her pool and tanning with her during breaks. There were always frogs in the pool but Caitlin hated them, so naturally I scooped one from the water and put it on her shoulder while she was tanning with her eyes closed. She didn’t think it was very funny but I did:) I’ve always known her as a very hardworking girl. She was also the only other Vietnamese girl I knew who could get as tan as me during the summer from being at the pool everyday. 

I want to thank Caitlin for being part of my life and for making my high school years full and fun. She will forever be in my memory as someone I love. 

We used to get boba after school and play "countries of the world" hangman together. I ended up going to college for political science and whenever I read about a smaller or lesser-known country, I'd think of Caitlin and smile because we'd try to use them to best each other at hangman. 

This boba place got rid of the whiteboards and the markers, but when I go, I look over at the corner where we'd play hangman and I think of her. 

We used to get breakfast together before the school day started. This was her favorite bagel place! I still go here and to so many other restaurants that she showed me over the years and I think of her every time I go.

This picture is of Caitlin in our high school graphic design class. We always sat in the back so we could peer at everyone else's computers and do our homework for other classes. 

Caitlin and I met in middle school. We both did newspaper and yearbook together and we bonded over talking about Asian food and the Asian-American experience.

Caitlin was always accepting of people's eccentricities and quirks. She never shamed anyone for their differences and I have her to thank for allowing me to be myself around everyone, regardless of what people may think. 

There was a point in time where Caitlin was my best friend. Although we drifted apart, she was loved at a distance and I never forgot the ways in which she shaped and encouraged so many of the traits I can now say that I love about myself. 

I'm grateful for the parts of her that I see in not only myself but also that I see in our friends today. I'll always be grateful for the lessons she taught me, both in her niche hobbies and in life. 

I think this picture was taken after one of Caitlin’s nail appointments, one thing about Caitlin, she always had the coolest nails on!

Not only was Caitlin my best friend freshman year of college. But we spent many hours working together at Atlantic Pool Service and Glory Days Grill. 
This picture is from summer 2019 when we worked together at Atlantic Pool Service. This summer Caitlin was a supervisor and I was a travel pool manager sub. I used to beg our boss to put me at pools on Caitlin’s supervisor route. You were one of the best parts at this job❤️
After 5 years with Atlantic, I have no idea how Caitlin did the supervisor job. She had the hardest route, the Burke pools, that summer and worked all day, 6 days a week. Even after all those hours she still found time to hang out with me after work. 

My best friend in my freshman year of college, truly heartbroken to hear about your passing 💔💔

PINKIEEEEE 💕 I love you girl! You helped me through the toughest time of my life! Your small notes under my pillow every morning, me braiding your hair, sharing our food! Girl I will never forget you!!! You’re the best friend anyone can ask for! I really am going to miss you! & how you always talked about your grandmother & how much you loved her and had to be there for her! I wish things were different. I love you pinkieeee always 

Cait. I love you and miss you so much. Our freshman year in college would not have been the same if we hadn’t found each other. I will remember that year for the rest of my life. You were like a little sister to me and I will never let that bond go. I will always miss and cherish going to Ike’s with you late at night, going to your dorm or you coming to mine unannounced, jamming out to Shy Glizzy and Wiz in your car, handing you your ice cream while you showered, making TikToks during the pandemic. There is no one like you. There never will be. My heart is shattered. Find peace, angel. Get some rest. I love you.

Our hearts are so very broken at the loss of your beautiful Caitlin. She had a way of lighting up a room with her style and sweetness. My words fall short because it feels unimaginable. She shared how much she loved her family and how special many memories of you all were (like going landscaping with her dad, having a little sister, good times at your vacation house, gratitude for grandma...). Such an extraordinary and loving soul. My heart aches for you all.

Please extending our "Tran" families deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time.  No amount of words can express the pain that your families are going through. 
We are sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this present time.

Uncle Kevin (Cuong) Tran from Ottawa for the “Tran" families


Caitlin was always a cheerful coach on the Stingers and was always making the kids laugh. we always had so much fun at A meets together and she was always so generous giving me rides everywhere before I could drive. her light and humor will be missed. rest easy caitlin🤍

I could not ask for a more smiley girl with an infectious giggle to be my flower girl for our wedding. Only  person that could get our son to walk for the first time and especially on vacation visiting family I will forever treasure you and all our time together we spend 

Love you 4 ever always 

Linda and Noel,

We are so sad to hear about Caitlin. Our hearts break for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I remember Caitlin as a sweet young girl playing “man hunt” and flashlight tag with my daughters and her cousins, Jeff and Justin.  

My daughters really enjoyed it when she came with her family to visit. Even as they got older, they all had a lot of fun talking and reminiscing about the fun they had as kids. 

She had a shy smile and was very sweet. She will be deeply missed. 

Found this silly video of her laughing. Caitlin always put me in a joyful mood even when I was feeling low. We laughed like this at least every 10 minutes when we were with each-other. The 9 minutes in-between she would tell me to focus on the dual-enrollment classes we were taking together. She was a great influence on me. 

This picture is from a day I went home early from school because I was feeling super down and Caitlin drove to my house with snacks and her contagious smile to cheer me up….. This is a perfect example of the type of friend she was.  

Caitlin and I met our senior year of high school and despite us going to different schools, she would always make time to hang out. We would drive around for hours singing our lungs out to old Disney Channel songs and laughing, always laughing with her.

Although we lost touch after graduation, many of my greatest memories were with her and the impact she made on my life will always live on. She is the kindest and most thoughtful person I have ever met. 

Thank you for the wonderful memories, Caitlin. May your soul rest in peace🤍



Caitlin and I would sit in our bedrooms for hours playing Vietnamese Poker together whenever we could no matter the weather.  We could never spend longer then a day without each other. You were the only friend that I understood.

We shared many memories together that I will never forget and cherish dearly.  You were the best person to enter my life. I could always tell what mood you were in based on your hair color/colors. You made the room so bright the second you walked in with the way you would greet everyone. You were the best life guard to me. You are the friend everyone deserves to have in their life. Even in rainy days you made it sunny. You were my only friend left. I love you forever and always. 

No matter what we were planning to do, you were always happy just because we were together.

Caitlin with her friends in the British Virgin Islands 2018. Our deepest sympathies to her family. She was a sweet, intelligent and beautiful girl who always put others first. 

Caitlin shared her beauty, grace, and friendship with the world in ways that will leave everlasting effects and memories on those she impacted. Her smile, Her laugh, Her aura lit up every room she walked in. She is a blessing, an Angel, now flying high watching over us. Protecting us. Continuing to teach us the importance of love, friendship, and kindness. Rest In Paradise Caitlin♥️

Caitlin,

You were a wonderful friend with a huge heart. You made an uncertain and chaotic period of my life feel stable. It takes a special type of person to provide that level of comfort to others. 

I’ll always remember you fondly. You had a huge part of mine, and so many others lives. I’m sorry that we lost touch the past few years, but happy that we were able to share the time we had together. You truly made high-school an enjoyable experience for me, I cannot thank you enough for that.

These are things that I should’ve said to you long ago. I don’t know how you have been these past few years, but I hope that you were aware of the positive impact you had on those around you. I hope that you went knowing you served great purpose on this earth, and that you may no longer be with us physically, but your impact on the lives of those around you will live on through them. I am sorry for those who will not get to experience your presence in their lives. 

I love you Caitlin. Rest easy. ❤️

My partner in crime for all things fun. I cannot believe you won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding someday. I will love you and miss you forever. Rest in peace Cait. 

This was us celebrating Isabella’s 20th birthday in 2020

Cait was always the best person to drive with, and always had the best music :(

This was from our girls-only Valentine’s Day in 2020

This was back when Cait lived in the basement of that house in Fairfax with the other girls from GMU

OBITUARY

Caitlin Ashley Cottrell

September 13, 2000 – January 22, 2023

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services