Dorothy " Dot " M. Cavanaugh, 91, passed away June 28, 2017 at Bedford Hills Center, Bedford, New Hampshire.
Dot was born March 20, 1926 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hugh and Jessie Quinn. She graduated from Newtown High School and Booth and Bayliss Business School. She worked part time at the Newtown Bee as a bookkeeper prior to marrying James " Jim " Cavanaugh in September of 1947. She had five children. Dorothy was a stay at home mom while her children were young. As they grew older, Dot returned to work part time at the Newtown Bee as a collating supervisor. When all the children were enrolled in school, Dorothy began her twenty-year career working for the U.S. Postal System, first in Botsford, Ct. and then in Sandy Hook, Ct. She enjoyed every year of this experience. Dorothy will always be remembered for the " smile " she shared with each patron who approached the window. She loved being able to see and serve the members of these two towns. Dot was also active in the St. Rose of Lima Church. She volunteered at the carnival every summer and at the F.A.I. T.H Food Pantry. She loved to read, do puzzles and work outside in the yard. She soaked up the sun's warmth at every opportunity. Dot truly enjoyed family life. She attended as many activities and celebrations that involved her children as she could. Sunday dinners, holidays and picnics were significant. In her retired life, Dorothy realized her dream of owning a home on a lake. She and Jim vacationed there in Massachusetts for several years. It was a focal point for family gatherings. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Jim, two sons Jimmy and Rich and two brothers Hugh and Bob. She is survived by two daughters: Susan Elmore of New Hampshire and Linda Cavanaugh and her partner Lois Jean Berry of Maine; one son Robert Cavanaugh and his wife Connie of Vermont; her sister Kate of Florida; and four grandchildren: John Elmore and his wife Xiaohui of New Hampshire, Julie Elmore and her partner Glen Kornichuk of Massachusetts, Kellin Cavanaugh and her husband Chad of New York and Logan Cavanaugh of Massachusetts. She had two great grandchildren Eddie and Brian Elmore of New Hampshire. Dorothy also had numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of her life will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church on Saturday August 19th at 9:30 a.m. Following the service, she will be buried at St. Rose Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown after both services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the F.A.I.T.H Food Pantry, P.O. Box 53, Newtown, CT 06470. Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is serving the family. To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com

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