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Lara Kavanagh Obituary
Lara passed in peace on Thursday morning, Dec. 13th, in hospice at Stamford Hospital. Lara courageously battled a very rare cancer for over 4 years, yet continued to enjoy life and her family to the fullest. She continued her favorite hobbies of running, traveling, and serving her community. She was involved with organizations such as Person to Person and volunteered at her daughter's schools. She also helped raise awareness and funds for Memorial Sloane Kettering's Cycle for Survival.
Lara was born in Charleston, SC to Larry Robert Kumfer and Barbara Barkovich Kumfer and was raised in Fort Wayne, IN. Lara met her husband, Mark Kavanagh, while an undergrad at Indiana University. She graduated in 1991 before moving to Chicago and then Washington D.C. Mark and Lara were married for 23.5 years and lived in Stamford, CT during that time. They have an amazing daughter Caroline (15). Over the past 12 years, Lara, Mark, and Caroline enjoyed spending time in their favorite place, Charleston, SC, as well as time golfing and enjoying the company of friends at Innis Arden Golf Club.
In addition to her parents, Lara is survived by her younger sister Kim and her children Kaeley (13) and J.J. (11) and her younger brother Brian and his husband Dave Gardner.
Visitation will be held at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home at 453 Shippan Ave Stamford CT (203)-359-9999 on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 1-5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo's Church on 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford Ct. on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. It is Lara's strong wish that in lieu of flowers for those to support the MSK Cycle for Survival Cause which fights rare cancers. Contributions in her memory may be mailed to MSK Cycle for Survival/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center PO Box 27432 New York, NY 10087-7432 or the team link http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/RunRidePrayLove
The family would like to thank the great staff at MSK, Stamford Hospital, and Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. The funeral arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home. To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lara Kavanagh
Sponsored by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.
Lisa Girden
January 26, 2019
I'm so sad to hear of Lara's passing. She had an amazing sense of courage and bravery and I loved having her as a mom in my classroom at First United. My thoughts are with Caroline and her family I know she is at peace now and will watch over them forever. Sending love Lisa Girden
Mark Bello
December 21, 2018
Mark
So sorry
My Condolences
Keep your head up!
Carole & Dave Robbins
December 21, 2018
Mark & Family;We were so saddened to hear of Lara's passing. She was a real fighter who was in our thoughts and prayers as were all the Kavanaghs. She will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.God Bless & RIP Lara.
Maxine Novak
December 21, 2018
Mark and family - so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer also and it's a terrible disease. Wishing you forever fond memories.
Andy Healy
December 21, 2018
Mark and family,
We are so sorry about your loss. She was a very nice person,
Andy and Steve Healy
Frank Baker
December 18, 2018
Mark, my heart goes out to your and your family. We know Lara lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Blessings on all those who possess those memories, and especially on those who loved her and will miss her so much.
Stan Mardula
December 18, 2018
Mark and Family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Lara. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lori DeFelice
December 18, 2018
Mark and Caroline,
Thinking of you both with my prayers and my heart.
Lori DeFelice
(Ackerly & Ward)
December 16, 2018
Mark, Caroline, all of the Kavanaghs and Kumfers - - my deepest prayers and sympathies. There is an old Gospel Song that talks about in Canaan's Land all is peace and joy and love. My it find you and Lara. With all my respects and love, Eric
Lara, you have touched so many people. Thank you for all you have done for all of us
December 15, 2018
Lara was an incredible person and I had the pleasure of meeting her when Caroline was in my preschool class at Just Wee Two. She had a grace and energy that was amazing. Caroline then became an ambassador at Kids Helping Kids and Lara was right there helping pave the way for kids to help underserved students in the local area. She was an inspiration, full of life and spirit. I understand why God wanted her earlier than we felt was fair. Thank you Lara for all you gave to us. Your spirit and generosity will be remembered forever.
Jennifer Kelley
Laureen Mody
December 15, 2018
Our deepest condolences and love to Caroline and Mark. Lara was such a strong advocate for children and spread her light and love among our scholars at Cloonan Middle School. We will forever be grateful for all that Lara did for the Cloonan community. Rest In Peace Lara..
Judie Melia
December 14, 2018
Deepest sympathies to Lara's family. She was always a sweet and caring person to me. I will remember the times I saw her volunteering at Stillmeadow. God bless you all. Rest in peace Lara.
Carole Caldwell
December 14, 2018
Mark & Caroline,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
thinking of you ,
Carole & Bruce Caldwell & Family
Kelley Dugan
December 14, 2018
I'm so saddened to hear of Lara's passing. I was Caroline's Art Teacher when she was in elementary school and befriended Lara then. She was a big supporter of our Art program, generously volunteering her time whenever she could. She also reached out to me when I had health issues of my own last year, selflessly sharing her optimistic spirit. My heart goes out to her family, especially sweet Caroline.
Love,
Kelley
December 14, 2018
Mark:
You and Caroline are in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy and Bill Ward
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