Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Mulvey) Cavanaugh, 84, of Paxton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3rd at the home of her daughter. Her husband of 48 years, John V. Cavanaugh died in 2002. She is survived by her four children, John and his wife Darla, Kathleen Korycki and her husband, Mirek all of Holden and James and Paul Cavanaugh of Paxton; her sister, Mary Prince of Princeton; and the joy of her life, her grandson, Neil Korycki. Three sisters, Alice Wright, Helen Mercure and JoAnne Roy predeceased her.
Betty was born on Worcester, the daughter of Michael J. and Helen A. (Fitzgerald) Mulvey. She was a graduate of the New Woodland Prep School, South High School and the Hahnemann School of Nursing. In May of 1954, Betty married the love her life, John and began their long, rich life together. After completing her studies, Betty began her career as a Registered Nurse. With her pride, dedication and professionalism in nursing Betty rose to the position of Head Nurse at the former Worcester City Hospital and was a long time fixture on the 6th floor North at City Hospital until her retirement in1995.
She was long time member of St. Columba Parish in Paxton and attended daily Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Church. As a devout Catholic, she found great strength in her faith, clergy and fellow parishioners. Betty will be remembered as a kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed time spent with her family especially her grandson, and often reminisced of the travels and trips with her family. Betty will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
She was very fond of the staff of the Paxton Council on Aging, especially Cindy, Jack and Pete. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the third Floor West at UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus, the Jewish Home for their excellent care and to Dr. Kevin Ferguson and Dr, Doreen Brettler for their long time care and friendship she cherished so much.
Her funeral is Monday, August 8th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with her funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Columba Church, 18 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John’s Church, Food for the Poor Center, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.