Obituary of Elizabeth Helen Cavanaugh
CAVANAUGH- Elizabeth Helen (nee Mahon)
(formerly Elizabeth Helen Lewis)
Passed away peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital on Saturday September 19, 2020, in her 95th year. Loving wife of the late Ronald Curtis Lewis (1964) and the late Ernest Cavanaugh (1996). Much loved mother of David Lewis (Elin Holvik), Marion Jarrell (Bill Houliston) and the late Barbara Haverson (Clarence) (2019). Beloved grandmother of Curtis, Ian (Sarah), Emily, Jacob and Martha. Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents Harry and Marion Mahon and by her brother James Mahon.
Elizabeth was born and grew up in Halifax NS. In 1948 she graduated from Dalhousie University with a B.Sc. Degree and began working in the public health lab in Halifax. After her marriage to Curtis, they lived in Amherst, Dartmouth and Toronto before settling in Cornwall ON. Left on her own to raise 3 small children – Elizabeth went back to lab work and studied and qualified as a Registered Lab Technician. However, deciding that shift work was not the best for the family – she left that work and devoted herself to raising her three young children. Annual trips to Nova Scotia – particularly Five Islands – maintained the family’s connection to their east coast roots.
With her family grown and moved away – in 1993, Elizabeth met and married Ernie Cavanaugh. They had a wonderful couple of years together – travelling to Western Canada, Minnesota and of course – Nova Scotia.
Over the years, Elizabeth was actively involved in her church, a member of the UCW and serving on many committees and as a trustee. She was both a Brownie and Guide leader. Her most long lasting association was as a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) spanning a period of over 70 years. Starting as a student member in Halifax in 1948 and continuing in the various places she lived – the “University Women’s Club” was a constant. After moving to Brantford in 2000 – she met new friends through the organization and was an active participant in the various interest groups including the bridge groups, book club, creative cookery and the dining out group. In October 2019, she was thrilled to be honoured with the SAGE award recognizing and celebrating her commitment and dedication in championing the CFUW’s mission for decades.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the McCLEISTER FUNERAL HOME, 495 Park Road N. Brantford on Thursday September 24 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 1:30 pm. Reverend Jennifer Canning of Fairview United Church to officiate. In keeping with Covid-19 protocol social distancing and face coverings are mandatory. The service will also be available via live stream. Please contact the funeral home for the link. Donations may be made in memory of Elizabeth to the CFUW Scholarship Fund or to Fairview United Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca
McCleister 519-758-1553
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elizabeth
Helen
Cavanaugh 1926 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Brantford, Province: Ontario