Mary Teresa Cavanaugh

Mary Teresa Cavanaugh, born November 9, 1953, cherished daughter of Arline and the late Joseph, passed peacefully on August 6 at Good Shepherd Hospice. Beloved mother of Trisha (Kris) and Steven (Jennifer) Winkelmeyer, and loving grandmother to Erin, Kristopher and Leah. Much loved sister of Jeanne (Jerome) Carroll and Margaret (Will) Smith, favorite aunt of Katie, Jamie, Zach, Jon, Jenny and Molly and adored cousin of the Cavanaugh, Raad, Garcia, Smith, Robilliard and Johnson families. She loved travel, gardening, crocheting, her dogs, reading, British television, writing and sheep. Above all, Mary was about family - gathering us all together for holidays and special events: baking her own breads, pies and cookies; preserving jams and jellies and creating fabulous meals which we shared with love and gales of laughter. Mary never let life's challenges get her down. Starting her career in the Sachem School district as an assistant in a Special Ed. classroom, she earned her certificate and a position as a Special Ed. teacher, and when excessed, went on to earn certifications, degrees and positions in Art, Business and Administration (as well as pyrotechnic engineer for Grucci Fireworks), finally serving as the inaugural Principal of Samoset Middle School. Her reputation for being fair and kind to students, parents, teachers and fellow administrators lives on. Mary will be sorely missed by the countless family members, friends and 'sistas' she has left behind. Our lives have all been enriched immeasurably by touching hers - her love and courage will continue to inspire us until we meet again. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:30 am on Monday, August 10 at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 614 Route 25A, Rocky Point, NY with Monsignor William G. Breslawski, Pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Port Jefferson, NY. Calling hours will be Saturday, August 8 from 7-9 PM and Sunday, August 9 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Rocky Point Funeral Home, 603 Route 25A, Rocky Point, NY. www.rockypointfuneralhome.com .