Victoria M. "Vicki" Cavanaugh

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.