Obituary of Joan S. Cavanaugh

     Mrs. Joan S. Cavanaugh, 88, of N. Utica, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

     Joan was born in Yorkville, NY on November 8, 1935, the daughter of Walter and Martha (Collins) Skrzek. She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High school. On May 12, 1956, Joan was united in marriage with James F. Cavanaugh at St. Patrick’s Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 42 years, until James’ death in 1998. For many years, Joan was employed in the accounting department with the NY Telephone Company. After her retirement, she went to work at Burger King in N. Utica. Following the retirement of her husband, James, the two opened Cavanaugh’s Cove in N. Utica, and together operated the bar for 13 years. Joan was a devoted parishioner of St. Mark’s Church in N. Utica as well as the Alter Rosary Society at church. She was also a member of VFW post 6001 ladies Auxiliary in Yorkville, was the Commissioner of the voting polls at John F. Kennedy High School for over 30 years, was a softball coach with the Greater Utica Softball league and truly enjoyed her Wednesday Night Rosary Group. Joan was a dedicated, die-hard NY Yankees fan and a season ticket holder for the Utica Comets.

     Mrs. Cavanaugh is survived by her five loving children, James W. Cavanaugh of Liverpool, NY, Michael Cavanaugh and his fiancée Donna Caruso of N. Utica, Steven and Judy Cavanaugh of Murrells Inlet, SC, Noreen and Ken Mootz of Murrells Inlet, SC and Kathy and Tim Barcomb of N. Utica; 16 cherished grandchildren, Desi, Angelina, Michelle, Christopher, Shayne, Sara, Kristen, Amanda, Amy, Cory, Sean, Zachary, Cara, Jamie, Jennifer, and Erika as well as 20 adored great grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting the birth of her 21^st great grandchild and 1 beloved great great grandchild. Also surviving are her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Melodie and Rich Wilk of N. Utica and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends too numerous to mention.  She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Martha, sister, Louise Skrzek and daughter-in-law, Esther Cavanaugh.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Mrs. Cavanaugh’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., N. Utica. She will be laid to rest in St. Stanislaus and St. Casimir Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Thursday, August 29^th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Those wishing to donate in Joan’s memory, please consider, Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

     Mrs. Cavanaugh’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospitalist, Dr. Ravi as well as the staff on 5E and 7E at Wynn Hospital for the wonderful care you provided. A very special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., especially Mary, Debbie, Crystal, Angela, Molly, Stephanie, Allysa and Jan, for the loving care and compassion you provided to Joan and her entire family. Your kindness will not be forgotten.