Jean Ellen Canavan

1927 - 2015

Canavan, Jean Ellen



Jean Ellen Canavan passed away on October 24, 2015 surrounded by her family at her home in Boynton Beach, Florida. Jean was born August 23, 1927 to John R. and Ann (Hahn) Johnston in Manhattan, New York. As a child she loved going to the beach with her father, and riding the Cyclone at Coney Island (both Jean and the Cyclone came into being the same year - 1927). She graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1945. After graduation Jean headed west where she attended the University of New Mexico for three semesters before returning to her home in Chicago.

While in Chicago, she taught at the Arthur Murray School of Dance where she met her future husband Gregory L. Canavan. They married on January 15, 1951. The newlyweds lived a short time in California before moving first to New Jersey and then New York. Jean had fallen in love with New Mexico during her short time at UNM and convinced her husband to move to Albuquerque in 1965. She became active in the community shortly after arriving, working as an early volunteer with Edmund and Thelma Evans at what is now known as the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico. In 1969, Jean returned to UNM and received a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education in 1975 and a Masters Degree in Special Education in 1980.

Jean worked for the Albuquerque Public Schools for 15 years; first as a special education teacher from 1975-1979 and then as an educational diagnostician from 1980-1990. After retiring from APS, she continued to work as a private contractor. She traveled throughout New Mexico testing children at many of the state's rural schools until she retired in 1997. She never tired of learning and continued her education throughout her career, earning several additional certifications. Following retirement, she took classes on world politics and history and participated in several book discussion groups. She was also a prominent member of the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

When she wasn't working Jean loved to read, studying current events, politics, and American history. Her passion for learning blended with her passion for travel. She visited many places during her lifetime that took her across the United States and far off places including: Italy, Spain, England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Prague, China, Indonesia, South America, Canada, Mexico, and, in her 70's she traveled to Thailand, where she rode an elephant. She also liked to cross country ski.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her three sons Mark of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Neil of Brooklyn, New York; Chris of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and daughters in law Asli Canavan of Albuquerque and Mary Canavan of Las Cruces; and four grandchildren Allie, Natalie, Ian and Melissa.

At her request Jean has been cremated and her ashes will be scattered in the Gulf Stream at a small family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, her request was for donations to be made to the Save the Manatee Club or the Ocean Conservancy.