Victoria M. "Vicki" Cavanaugh

Victoria M. "Vicki" Cavanaugh

September 13, 1947 - November 09, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Vicki died at home on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, with her husband and daughters by her side, six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. She was born on Sept. 13, 1947, in Joliet, Ill., where she spent the first six years of her life. She called Lockport, Ill., home through her school years which concluded in coursework at St. Francis College in nearby Joliet. In 1968 she married her husband, Jim Cavanaugh, and joined him in Madison, Wis., where they have lived ever since.


Vicki shared many gifts with the world, tending to her chosen activities and vocations artfully and with heart. She and Jim raised their daughters in a home that was a warm and welcoming place for people of all ages. She taught herself how to cook, delighting many palates over the years. She was an amazing seamstress, sewing everything from clothes for her daughters, to tiny doll clothes, to hula costumes and tutus, and for many years produced beautiful counted cross stitch scenes. In her youth, she learned to play several instruments and picked up guitar in her 20s. She had a lovely singing voice and learned, played, and sang tunes like “Moonshadow” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” She was a speedy typist, had an expansive vocabulary and was incredibly organized. Vicki was a hardworking and dedicated employee having held a variety of jobs spanning childcare, secretarial work, retail, floral arranging, and food service. She was tender with babies, caring for many over the years including her six grandchildren, who were her pride, joy, and one of the great loves of her life.


In recent years, Vicki became an avid fan of UW volleyball and basketball and Brewers baseball. She would have liked to have seen many more of her grandchildren’s milestones and watched more sports with Jim. She died with gratitude for the time and love we all shared and knowing that she worked, lived, and loved with purpose.


Vicki is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters and their husbands, Darcy and Bob Burke and Shannon and Don Stiemke; her six grandchildren, Audrey, Lydia, and Norah Burke and Charlie, Jack, and Sam Stiemke; and her brother, Chuck Lesnik, his wife, Kathy and their daughters, Liz and Natalie.


Her private, green burial will be at the Farley Center’s Natural Path Sanctuary on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin or Agrace HospiceCare.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


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SS
Sabra Stiemke
Other •
The first time I met Vicki was backstage at a production of the Nutcracker in which Shannon was appearing. She asked Don if he had met the Nutcracker bitch yet. 😀😀. He commented that he hadn't but as a long-time dance mom, I'm sure she had plenty such experiences!! She will be missed!!
JF
Jennifer Farnham
Other •
A tribute to Vicki for a life well-lived and many descendants who will carry on in making the world a better place. My condolences especially to Shannon, Don, and the boys for their loss. Much love to you all.
JL
Joan Laurion
Other •
I was a lucky young woman to get to know Vicki just as I had my first daughter almost 50 years ago. Vicki and I spent our years as young moms taking care of each other's kids. Back and forth..back and forth. I know my daughter had a lot more fun at Vicki's house with Darcy and Shannon as playmates, and Vicki's handmade dance costumes to twirl around in! Vicki was always much better than me at raising her voice and getting everyone organized, offering wonderful store bought and homemade snacks, and paying attention to each individual kid. She really knew my daughters--especially the older one-- and loved them both hugely. We will miss knowing she "gets" them and is always there for them. I will miss having such a trusted friend who knows me so well, too, and picks up our friendship each time as if no time has past. Love you, Vic.
JS
Jackson Stiemke
Other •
I remember every time I went to Grandma and Papa's, there would always be so many good looking snacks, and grandma would always let us have some when we left. I specifically remember loving the Scooby-Doo fruit snacks.
SS
Sam Stiemke
Other •
Although most of my memories of grandma are vague, due to the fact they were when I was very young, there is one thing that is very vivid for me. My brothers and I would often be babysat by Grandma and Papa as kids, when mom and dad were busy, and whenever they came to pick us up, Grandma let us each pick 1 beanie baby from their collection to take home. Of course, I started by picking the cutest and most unique ones, like the seahorse and caterpillar, and ended with the solid color bears. Each week the bag kept getting lighter and lighter until finally it was empty. We had every single beanie baby at our house. As a kid, I loved stuffed animals, so that might be why this specific memory is the one I remember best.
TS
Tracy Suprise
Other •
My sincerest condolences to Jim and the entire family. A fond memory I have is when you hosted the United Mineworkers members who were traveling to gain support for their strike. Adam and I had 2 stay with us. Vicki hosted a dinner at your house for all of us--at least 10 people. She made a fantastic Chili that we layered with rice etc in big bowls. An amazing person. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

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