LACONIA ---- On Monday, September 15, 2025, the world lost a wonderful, unassuming and gentle woman. Catherine “Cathy” (Cavanagh) Quinlan passed away at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia, New Hampshire, the same way she lived her life with dignity, love, peace, compassion and courage. She was an amazing and affectionate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Her genuine smile and sweet disposition will be dearly missed by all.
Cathy was born November 1, 1943, the first of six children to Gertrude and John Cavanagh, Jr. She was raised in Lynn, Massachusetts and attended St. Pius V School and St. Mary’s Girls High School graduating in 1962. She continued her education at North Shore Children’s Hospital Nursing Program and went on to work at the New England Home for Little Wanderers. Her love of children was boundless, and she frequently brought home children for a weekend visit to the delight of her family as well as the kids. She later worked for the Lynn Housing Authority and after marrying Jack “Topper” Quinlan they moved to Laconia and started their family.
Cathy’s faith was a very important part of her life, as was her love of children. It was natural for her to serve as a parish volunteer administering to the sick and teaching catechism classes. She also served in the Grandparents Program as an aid in the elementary schools in Laconia. Cathy was an avid crafter and knitter but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and enjoying all the benefits of Lakes Region living.
Cathy was pre-deceased by her husband Jack, her parents Gert and John, and her brothers Paul and Jack Cavanagh. She is survived by her three children Chris (husband Kevin) Coons, son Brian (partner Karen Samson), and daughter Kelley (husband Martin) Maher, grandchildren Cassie and Keegan Coons and Jack Maher, great-granddaughter Ivy Coons, brothers Michael and Mark Cavanagh, sister Mary Ann Cavanagh, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
We ask that you remember Cathy not for the way her life ended, but for the way she lived her life.
The family would like to thank St. Francis Nursing and Rehab for the unwavering love and support they gave Cathy over the last 4 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 12:00 Noon, at St. Andre Bessette Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246. Burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery, Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
For those who wish to make a contribution in his memory, Cathy suggested you consider the St. Andre Bessette Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.