Obituary of Janis Louise Cavanagh

CAVANAGH, Janis Louise (nee Anderson)

July 12, 1947 – Frontier, Saskatchewan

February 11, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janis Louise Cavanagh (nee Anderson) at the age of 74. This beautiful lady and gentle soul was the loving wife of Gary Cavanagh, and exceptional mom to Terri, Todd, and Cory. 

Mom was born in Frontier, SK, one of five children to Harold and Frances Anderson and sister to Cheryl, Trevor, Gloria and Lance. Janis was predeceased by her dad, whom she loved so deeply. Janis grew up on the family farm, and then married Bill Garman. Bill’s career took them to Calgary and beyond, but she never lost her love of the farm and countryside. Our family settled in Calgary in 1974, and Mom fell in love with the city too. Later in life, she met and married Gary Cavanagh, enjoying almost 32 happy years together and many trips to the mountains!

Mom definitely had a prairie soul, a city spirit, and a mountain heart! She would never turn down a trip to Canmore, or a chance to explore the back roads of Kananaskis. She also discovered that she loved to dip her feet into the ocean, and we were lucky enough to have her experience Mexico with us twice. However, the most important thing to Mom was her family – cherishing not only her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, but also her dearly loved cousins as best friends, as well as nieces and nephews.

Without a doubt, one of the happiest days of Mom’s life was when she met her first grandchild (Mitchell), followed by the arrival of Tanner Garman into the world. However, it did not stop there! Mom was then blessed with Madison and Carter Garman, and her heart was full.

Janis was made to be a Mom, and we feel so lucky that we experienced her. Mom taught us how to be kind, gracious, and considerate, with so many people having relayed to us that they saw the light within her smile and the goodness in her being. Most of all, Mom simply wanted us all to be happy, to be good citizens, and to thrive. We are, and we cannot thank her enough for that.

We cannot close without mentioning her beloved cats (Tux and Whiskers), her love of scrabble, crossword puzzles, conservative politics, gospel and good ole country music, road trips, the cabin, her incredible cooking skills and, lastly, her very deep faith. She said within the last two weeks of her life that “I hope I can look after babies in Heaven”. We have no doubt that this is exactly where God has her now………..cuddling babies.

Until we see you again Mom, we love you more than you know.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Private Graveside Service to follow at Okotoks Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Terry Fox Research Institute (Liver Cancer), or to a cat shelter of your choosing.

In living memory of Janis Cavanagh, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.