JoAnn Cavanaugh

DENVER, NORTH CAROLINA

February 13, 1927 - August 10, 2019

Joann Mintz Cavanaugh of Denver, NC and previously of Charlotte, NC died August 10, 2019.  Born February 13, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Virgie Wilson Mintz of Gaffney, SC.  Mrs. Cavanaugh was a graduate of Limestone College and taught in the NC public school system before joining the U.S State Department in Washington D.C.  While on assignment in Geneva, Switzerland, she met her future husband, Richard Cavanaugh, and they were married for 35 years before his death in 1990.  They lived in D.C., California, New York, Illinois, and Maryland before retiring to Pinehurst, NC.  Mrs. Cavanaugh moved to Charlotte in 1999 to be near her son.

Mrs. Cavanaugh was active in the areas she lived.   She served on many Boards of Directors including The Cypress Club Home Owners Association, The English Speaking Union of Pinehurst, the Women of the Episcopal Church in Illinois, the American Association of University Women, the Pinehurst College Club, the Illinois PTA Council, and the Sandhills Alliance for the Mentally Ill.  In addition, she served on the Caucus for Illinois School Board Selections, the Mental Health Clients Rights Committee, Home Tour Benefits, and the Historical Society Antiques Shows.  She also chaired Club Study Groups and co-chaired a Parkinson’s Support Group.

Mrs. Cavanaugh enjoyed traveling to many areas of the world and regularly attended educational and civic programs.  She has been a member of the Charlotte World Affairs Council, the Charlotte Museum of History, the Mint Museum, the Shepherd Center, Senior Scholars, Pinehurst Country Club, and Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Mrs. Cavanaugh is survived by her three sons: Richard Cavanaugh, his wife Jennifer and their son, Drew all of Denver, NC; Craig Cavanaugh of Rockingham, NC; and Gary Cavanaugh of Mebane, NC.  She is predeceased by her two sisters: Betty Mintz and Jane Mintz Sanders both of Gaffney, SC.  She is also predeceased by her only nephew, Jim Sanders of Gaffney, SC.  In addition, she is survived by Jim’s wife, Claudia Sanders and their three daughters, Emily Miller of Rock Hill, SC, Cara Robb of Clemson, SC, and Elise Sanders of Rome, Italy.  Finally, she is survived by her devoted companion of 20 years, Richard Liebert of Charlotte, NC and his wonderful family.

Mrs. Cavanaugh will be laid to rest at a private burial service in Gaffney, South Carolina.

The Cavanaugh Family have entrusted arrangements to Cremation Society of Charlotte, Inc.

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