Shirley A. Cavanagh
Age 88, of Lansing, MI, passed away June 18, 2013. She was born December 15, 1924, in Detroit, MI, the only child of Walter F. and Mildred A. Miron.
Shirley attended St. Mary’s Academy in Monroe, MI, and St. Cecilia High School in Detroit, MI. She was an accomplished flutist and pianist. Shirley traveled by train across the country and married her high school sweetheart Paul Cavanagh on January 20, 1945 in Santa Ana, CA, where he was stationed following his tour of duty in WWII. Upon Paul’s discharge from the Marine Corps, they moved back to Detroit to start their family (four boys). The family moved to Lansing in 1964 and after her boys grew up, Shirley attended Lansing Community College to earn a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at Ingham Medical Center and for several doctors in private practice. When not otherwise performing the duties of running a busy household, her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, reading, bridge, and volunteer work.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas P., Daniel P. (Deborah), James G., and John F. (Susan) Cavanagh; 8 grandchildren, Matthew, Paul, Brendan, Meaghan (Phill) Daneff, Christopher (Marta), Michelle, Laura (Tyler) Rebek, and Charles; and 4 great-grandchildren, Jacob, April, Liam and Kieran. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Paul J. Cavanagh.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 24, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow St., Lansing, followed by interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 p.m., on Sunday at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Healing and Health Care Foundation, 530 W. Beech St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
7 Messages to “Shirley A. Cavanagh”
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Michael Mack
June 19, 2013 at 6:24 amA dear and kind woman. Throughout my life I have known few with more grace, humility, and devotion.
Bill Lynch
June 19, 2013 at 10:50 amMay the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
– A traditional Gaelic Blessing
Rob Marczynski
June 19, 2013 at 10:55 amJohn and Family,
I remember your mom well. A great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May she rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon her.
Rob “Marz” Marczynski
Rick Guggemos
June 19, 2013 at 12:09 pmMay you remember her and her gifts daily.
Ginny Whitman
June 19, 2013 at 12:44 pmJohn, Jim and Paul,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom/grandma.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ginny
Anne (Murphy) Karr
June 19, 2013 at 9:23 pmTo Tom, Dan, Jim and John,
Your mother will always be so fondly remembered….she was a thoughtful, sweet and kind woman–one of my favorite aunts, my godmother and a truly wonderful person who will be missed by all that knew her. I am so sorry for your loss.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” -(Leo Buscaglia)
Susan Penl
June 20, 2013 at 11:09 pmJohn, Jim and family,
So very sorry to hear of your mom’s death. I hope her passing was peaceful. May you find strength and comfort in the coming days.
Take Care, Susan