Dorothy M. "Dot" Cavanaugh, 91, former longtime resident of Newtown, died June 28 at Bedford Hills Center in New Hampshire. She was born March 20, 1926, in Bridgeport, daughter of Jessie and Hugh Quinn.

She graduated from Newtown High School and Booth & Bayliss Business School. She worked part time at The Newtown Bee as a bookkeeper prior to marrying James "Jim" Cavanaugh in September of 1947. Mrs Cavanaugh had five children and was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. As they grew older, she returned to work part-time at The Newtown Bee as a collating supervisor.

When all the children were enrolled in school, Mrs Cavanaugh began her 20-year career working for the US Postal System, first in Botsford and then in Sandy Hook. She enjoyed every year of this experience. Mrs Cavanaugh will always be remembered for the smile she shared with each patron who approached the window. She loved being able to see and serve the members of these two towns.

Mrs Cavanaugh was also active in the St Rose of Lima Church. She volunteered at the carnival every summer and at the FAITH Food Pantry. She loved to read, do puzzles, and work outside in the yard. She soaked up the sun's warmth at every opportunity. Mrs Cavanaugh truly enjoyed family life. She attended as many activities and celebrations that involved her children as she could. Sunday dinners, holidays, and picnics were significant.

In her retired life, Mrs Cavanaugh realized her dream of owning a home on a lake. She and Jim vacationed there in Massachusetts for several years. It was a focal point for family gatherings.

Two daughters, Susan Elmore of New Hampshire and Linda Cavanaugh, and her partner Lois Jean Berry, of Maine; one son, Robert Cavanaugh, and his wife Connie, of Vermont; her sister, Kate of Florida; four grandchildren, John Elmore and his wife Xiaohui of New Hampshire, Julie Elmore and her partner Glen Kornichuk of Massachusetts, Kellin Cavanaugh and her husband Chad of New York, and Logan Cavanaugh of Massachusetts; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews survive her.

Her husband, Jim; two sons, Jimmy and Rich; and two brothers, Hugh and Bob, predeceased her.

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of her life will be at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Saturday, August 19, at 9:30 am. Following the service, she will be buried at St. Rose Cemetery, Newtown. A reception will follow at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, after both services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the FAITH Food Pantry, PO Box 53, Newtown CT 06470.

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is serving the family.

To leave an online condolence visit honanfh.com.