Shirley Kay Kavanaugh, 82, of Vero Beach, passed away at home on Oct. 12, 2014. She is now holding the hand of her beloved daughter, Dotty.
She is survived by her dedicated husband Kenny; four remaining children, Ken (Lori), Cindy (Gail), John “JB” (Sarah), and Julie (Steve); her grandchildren Courtney Brooke, Mary Kathryn, Albert, Katie Pearl, Dominick, Patrick, Charlie and Ruby Kay; and five great-grandchildren, Hannah, Max, Vinci, Sam and Lucy.
Kavanaugh’s dynamic life began Aug. 4, 1932, when she was born to Kathryn and Milo Brooke. Shirley Kay, who did not like to be called Shirley, would hate the fact that none of us know exactly where she was born. We think it was Lawrenceville, Ill.
She was an only child who adored her loving grandparents, “Pap-Pap” and “BaBoo.” She cherished her years with them and has entertained all of us with many of her childhood stories. However, nothing compares to the hilarious memories of her marriage to the love of her life, Kenny, who was a dashing older man (okay, only two years older) who stole her heart and they married on Oct. 7, 1950.
Kavanaugh was very proud to be the ONLY woman Kenny ever dated, while he has had to accept that she dated the entire football team as well as the band. The couple shared 64 wonderful years together filled with so much laughter, joy, and some deep sorrow. As she stated recently, “Kenny, we had a really good life, except for the horrible loss of our Dotty, we have been so blessed.” What an amazing statement from a couple who shared such a tragedy.
In 1972, 8-year-old Dorothy Kay was abducted and two weeks later the Kavanaugh’s buried their fourth born child. Because of this deep loss and their resolution to carry her memory with them, the Kavanaugh’s are known for passing out St. Dorothy medals to those who need special prayers.
Kavanaugh is gone from us but her famous stories and jokes will continue to be told for generations. She made everyone laugh and left lasting impressions on those she touched. She will forever be a part of our smiles as we imagine she must be dancing once again in her high heeled shoes with Dotty.
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Interment will take place at the Lawrenceville City Cemetery at a later date.