Cathy Cavanagh

Cathy Cavanagh

12/17/1943 – 8/9/2024

Our dear friend Cathy Cavanagh left us on Aug 9, 2024 after a brief struggle with COPD and heart issues. Cathy was a loving, loyal, generous and trusted friend to many.  She did not have children of her own, but she was committed to taking an interest in both her friends and the children of her friends.  She was very caring and thoughtful.

Cathy was born, grew up and attended college in California.  She was married for a few years in her 20’s, but spent most of her life living alone, on her own terms. She was fiercely independent and marched to her own drum. Once her mind was made up, there was never any persuading Cathy off her own path.

She joined the Peace Corps, spending time in Sierra Leone before moving to Santa Fe in the early 1970’s.  She spent her career in early education teaching at the Rio Grande School, The Children’s School and The Tree House Camp.  Many of her friends today, were parents of the children she taught so many years ago. When her Mother became ill, Cathy returned to California and took care of her until her death. 

Upon returning to Santa Fe, she was a caregiver to persons of all ages as well as to animals.  She also became a professional house sitter. She had a warmth and attention to comfort and companionship when caring for the elderly.  Cathy was famous for remembering important days and gifting friends with goodie bags and beautiful cards. 

As a convert, her Catholic faith was extremely important to her.  She attended daily mass and faithfully watched EWTN.  She developed close relationships with members of both The Carmelite Monastery of Santa Fe and The Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Cathy regularly called in prayer requests for any hardships being faced by any of her friends or their acquaintances. 

Cathy was a loving teacher, Sister, Aunt and dear family friend. She will be greatly missed by many in the Santa Fe area.  She is survived by her sisters Liz Grubbs of Arizonia, Vicki Knight of California and their families; among others her dear friends Carmalee McGuiness, Percy Armijo, Bob and Corinne Sze, Tony and Pat Drypolcher, Mother Marie Bernadette and the Carmalite Sisters, Mary, Lisa and Candelora Versace- who are also very grateful for the dedicated friendship and care that Cathy gave to Rita and John in both of their final years. 

Mass will be said for Cathy on Monday, September 9th at 7am. 

Carmalite Monastery, at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Santa Fe, NM

Breakfast outing for whoever wishes to follow.