Obituary of Lois Margaret Cavanagh

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the recent passing of our mother. With grace, good humour, and deep concern for others she has succumbed to a long and difficult battle against a chronic illness. Beginning in 1989 our mother’s body was impaired by a debilitating and rare neurological disorder. Later her disorder was greatly complicated by the addition of Parkinson’s disease. Until the end she remained bright, witty and mentally strong in order to relieve our pain in watching her suffer. Lois was born in Winnipeg to Dorothy and Ritson Hill-Kirk she later attended the University of British Columbia. In 1969 she became a teacher with the Calgary Board of Education and taught elementary school until she was forced to retire, in 1989, due to the aggressive nature of her illness. She loved teaching with special devotion towards all of her students. Lois is survived by her loving husband Bernie who over their married years was part of her life everyday. She is also survived by her four sons, three stepsons, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren who all loved her and will keep her in their hearts forever. She was predeceased by her parents. Over the last few years those of us that took the time to see past the disability saw a wonderful caring and giving person inside. Funeral Services will be held at St. Laurence Anglican Church (5940 Lakeview Drive S.W.) on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, #102, 5636 Burbank Crescent S.E. Westech Building, Calgary, AB T2H 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsons-society.org. We offer deep appreciation to the Chinook Care Centre for spending the time to see her for who she really was and creating a world for her and not one for her disability. That is the true art of care giving. In living memory of Lois Cavanagh, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.