Barbara Ann (Sullivan) Cavanaugh

WATERBURY -  Family and friends above all else. Any attempt to put our mom into words starts there because that was the secret to her long, incredible, joyful, love and laughter-filled life. Although she left us at 90 years young on July 2, 2026, she gave us all countless wonderful memories and stories that will keep her with us forever.

Barbara was the beloved wife and best friend of the late Bill Cavanaugh. She was predeceased by her son, Steven, and her daughter, Marnie. She is survived by her children Bill Cavanaugh of San Diego, CA; Mimi and Jerry De La Rosa of Southington; Lonnie Cavanaugh of Wolcott; Kate and Mark Forte of Woodbury; Colleen and Laura Cavanaugh of Hercules, CA; Tim Cavanaugh of Waterbury; and Brenda and Marty Toma of Middlebury.

She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Brittany and Pete Garguilo, Elon and Kyle Tamulonis, Miranda and Liam Cavanaugh, Mark and Dani Forte, Marnie Delarosa, and Teddy and Lucy Toma, as well as her great-grandchildren Clara, Jack, Callum, and Colby, and her brother James Sullivan. She was their biggest cheerleader and most passionate fan. And they were the lights of her life. Gram’s house was a special place for the kids. Nothing was better than her loud, happy greeting as they walked through the door or the hugs that made everything right in the world. And there were no problems a cookie couldn’t fix.

Barbara was born and raised in Waterbury where she lived her entire life. She had 12 brothers and sisters who lived, loved, and laughed like only a family named Sullivan could do. And when she teamed up with a Cavanaugh, the two big boisterous families united to create one giant, happy, extended family. The Christmas parties on Englewood Avenue were legendary.

Barbara was so proud of her Irish heritage and her hard-working parents in their little house on Silver Street. She loved Waterbury and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. The city held her memories, her home, her friends, and her favorite things like the Cave bar where she spent many evenings playing cards with her best friend for over 70 years, Nancy Halwick, and her group she affectionately called “the Ladies”. She was the life of the party, the best joke and storyteller, and the quickest to laugh at any opportunity. She was definitely a lot of fun.

Barbara loved UConn Huskies basketball so much that she broke a remote or two when things didn’t go their way. She was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and even made them just weeks before she passed. She was a talented seamstress, wonderful cook, crossword puzzle aficionado, and enthusiastic traveler. If you were going anywhere, her bags were packed and ready to go. She squeezed every ounce out life even taking up golf at a later age and enjoying many rounds with Bill and friends at East Mountain. And her newfound love for Mahjong where she made even more close friendships.

Barbara was a great mother to all her kids and a surrogate to so many people over the years. If you needed love, she gave it and you were hers for life. Her biggest pride as a mom was caring for our sister, Marnie, and supporting her as an advocate for Down’s Syndrome and the Special Olympics. She prayed every day to survive long enough to walk Marnie home to heaven and she got her wish.

We will miss you, Mom. Thank you for being the best. We love you with all our hearts.

Funeral services for Barbara will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Family and friends may visit with the Cavanaugh family on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury. To honor Barbara’s memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions to Special Olympics CT, 2666 State St, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com.