OBITUARY: Jean C. Cavanagh, 97, Formerly of Woburn

Jean Claire Cavanagh (née Phelan), age 97 of Goffstown, NH, died peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 after a brief illness. Born in Calais, ME, she lived for 58 years in Woburn, MA where she raised a family with her childhood sweetheart and husband of 67 years, Robert H. Cavanagh, Jr. - a WWII veteran who served in the US Marine Corps and who predeceased her in 2015.

A woman of many talents, she had a lifelong interest in nutrition, healthy living, and wellness. As such, she worked for many years at both the Choate Hospital and the North Suburban YMCA, and was a long-time volunteer for the “Council of Social Concern,” all located in Woburn, MA.

Throughout her life, Jean always lived her faith, and she will be remembered by many for her generosity and thoughtfulness. In a final act of kindness, she bequeathed her remains in an anatomical gift to the Harvard Medical School.

A loving wife and mother, she is survived by her daughters Bonnie J. Cavanagh, Kim E. Sowers and husband John, Laurie A. Cavanagh, and sons Robert V. Cavanagh and wife Rhoda, and Scott S. Cavanagh, as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organization of your choice that supports our nation’s veterans.