Nancy A. Cavanaugh

Nancy A. (Small) Cavanaugh, 85, a longtime resident of North Chelmsford, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of John M. Cavanaugh with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.
She was born in Lowell on November 10, 1939, and was the daughter of the late Francis J. and Elizabeth (Dejadon) Small.
Nancy was raised in Lowell and Chelmsford and graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1957 where she was a baton twirler. After high school, she spent time as a model for Lemkin's clothing store. During this time she met the love of her life, John and they married in 1963, settled in Billerica and started their family shortly thereafter. After she was married she held various administrative positions while raising her 3 girls. Her last position before retirement was with Raytheon Missile System in Bedford where she worked as an executive secretary for 20 years. In addition to raising her children and working, she also cared for her mother who lived with her for 24 years. After retirement she and John enjoyed traveling around the world to places like Ireland, China, and Austria, just to name a few. From the day they were married, there was not one without the other. She gave him all her love, all her life.
Above all else, Nancy's passion was her family. She was never happier than when the family was all together. Whether it was Monday night spaghetti dinners, birthday parties, holidays and special occasions with her daughters, sons-in-law and grandkids - she never missed a chance to be with everyone. She also enjoyed her time living in the Meadowood neighborhood with all her wonderful friends; especially Sue and Bonnie, where they had monthly dinner clubs, Patriot watch parties, the front yard white chair society and many other special occasions.
In addition to her loving husband, Nancy leaves her 3 daughters and their families, Kelly St. Cyr and her husband Paul of Lowell, Lisa MacDonald of Chelmsford, Erin Sexton and her husband Kevin of Reading. She leaves her 7 grandchildren Paul St. Cyr Jr, Luke St. Cyr, Lydia St. Cyr, Sarah MacDonald, Ethan MacDonald, Madison Sexton and John Thomas (JT) Sexton. She leaves her cousin Cindy Lonardo of Hudson, NH; her nephew Larry Cavanaugh; her nieces Karen Espinola and Donna Rafferty; a sister-in-law Beverly Cavanaugh; her sister Cindy Bartlet and many cousins.
She is predeceased by her sister Sandra Small; her Aunt Agnes Noval; her brothers-in-law Lawrence Cavanaugh and Leonard Bartlett.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 4 pm – 7 pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, at 10 am at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 8 Kirk St., LOWELL. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery, NORTH CHELMSFORD.