WESTFIELD: Eleanor Cavanaugh, known by many as Mrs. C., died peacefully on October 1, 2020 of pneumonia. Eleanor was 87 years old and lived a long life surrounded by many people she loved. She was blessed to be the center of a big circle of family, neighbors and friends.
Eleanor was born in 1933 to Millie (Paoli) and Henry Kirchner in Pittsfield MA. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1950 and St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1953 and embarked on a life filled with caregiving. In 1955 she married and enjoyed many years with the love of her life, John E. Cavanaugh of Westfield, who died in 1986. She was a wonderful mother and will be missed by her children and their families: Lori and her husband Bill of Reading MA; Traci of Westfield; John and his wife Julie of San Francisco; and her grandchildren and great-granddaughters. She also leaves her dear siblings Barbara McLaughlin, Henry Kirchner, Jack Kirchner, Peter Kirchner and their families. Eleanor’s life was enriched by her many in-laws, nieces and nephews, dear friends and loving neighbors. You all meant so much to her. Over the years, Mrs. C. cared for more than 40 children in her home and they, and their parents, became part of her extended family and many remain life-long friends. Eleanor will be remembered for her sense of humor, her talkative and hustle-bustle nature, her fondness for babies and little children, her busy and happy home, and her ability to make people feel well-fed and loved. She touched many lives along her journey and received so much loving support in return. All the visits, cards, phone calls, meals, yard work, flowers, numerous cups of tea, thoughts and prayers brought her much joy. Special thanks go to her loving caregivers who made her final years happy ones. The work you do each day is important and appreciated.
Eleanor is at rest and we hold her close within us. A celebration of Eleanor ‘s life will be held in the summer when we can all be together to laugh and share our memories of happy times.
Donations in her memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Westfield Food Bank or the Alzheimer’s Association.
