Nancy A. Cavanaugh

Nancy A. Cavanaugh obituary, Chelmsford, MA

Nancy A. Cavanaugh

Nancy Cavanaugh Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home on Nov. 26, 2024.

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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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Nancy Cavanaugh's Guest Book

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April 20, 2025

George Landis posted to the memorial.

December 1, 2024

Gloria Morris posted to the memorial.

November 30, 2024

J.T. Sexton posted to the memorial.

George Landis

April 20, 2025

I had the good fortune to work with Nancy at Raytheon and she was a fountain of knowledge, good ideas and company history. She truly cared about people and was especially adept at keeping the peace when anyone had a reason to get angry or out of line. She was upbeat, positive and gracious in all circumstances and all of us colleagues learned how to be better employees by emulating her ability to solve problems and restore order. She was an absolutely beautiful person and she leaves a legacy of goodness found only in the best work environments.

Gloria Morris

December 1, 2024

Dear family - I am shocked to hear of Nancy's passing. I called the hospital, and they told me she was no longer there. I thought she had gone home and wanted to give you all time to spend with her. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Her girls and her grandkids were the light of her life. "Her" John was always by her side, and so loved. I will visit her often, as she is in the same cemetery as my beloved husband.

J.T. Sexton

November 30, 2024

I wish I could see my nanny again we all miss her i love her

Living Spirit Dishgarden

The Magiera's & The Poor's

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Lynne and Steve Peterson

November 26, 2024

Our condolences to the Cavanaugh family
we enjoyed years of your support help and volunteer work with the Billerica friends of music and watching over all of the students in the band and color guard.
Sorry for your loss

Living Spirit Dishgarden

Lynne and Steve Peterson

Sent Flowers

Peaceful Reflections

Your Farr 10 Family

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Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home

24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824

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Sign Nancy Cavanaugh's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 20, 2025

George Landis posted to the memorial.

December 1, 2024

Gloria Morris posted to the memorial.

November 30, 2024

J.T. Sexton posted to the memorial.