Obituary: Jill Marie Becker Cavanaugh

Jill Marie Becker Cavanaugh, 72, died on Friday, February 10, 2017 at her home with her daughters at her side after battling lung cancer. Jill was a loving mother, devoted grandma (known as “Grandma Mimi” to Katie & Tess and “Little Ma” to Saif), patient teacher and faithful friend.

Jill enjoyed being outside – taking walks, swimming, collecting rocks, puttering, watching wildlife, attending outdoor concerts, gardening, relaxing and breathing fresh air. She took special pleasure in creating projects with her grandchildren after they completed successful treasure hunts in the woods, on the beach or around the house.

Jill’s career was as a teacher in Home Economics/FACES education at Sevastopol Schools. She not only taught students the basic life skills of button sewing and bread baking but mended the hearts and boosted the souls of students who needed a listening, compassionate person in their lives.

In her retirement years she chose to substitute teach, sew, create costumes for school plays at Sevastopol and St. John Bosco, volunteer, and attend grandchildren’s sporting and school events.

Summer was a time Jill yearned for, a time she could reconnect with lifelong friends and welcome new Bay Shore neighbors into the “Bay Buddies” friendship circle. Her “Bay Buddies” friendships were dear to her and included many nights of sunsets and chatting.

Jill was born on June 23, 1944 in Two Rivers, WI to Jeanette (Kronzer) and Clem Becker. She graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers with the class of 1962. She graduated from UW-Stout in 1966.

Jill is survived by her daughters, Jenny Jill Cavanaugh (Andy) Spude and Emily Dara Cavanaugh (Firas) Ighzawi; grandchildren Katherine and Tess Spude and Saif Ighzawi; brother and sister in law Peter T. and Elizabeth L. Becker, Two Rivers, WI and sister Tonie L. Becker, Parker, CO; aunt Marion Becker Kramp, St. Louis, MO; nieces and nephews; cousins; former husband Neil Cavanaugh and many dear friends.

Preceding her in death was her beloved mother, Jeanette Kronzer Becker and her daddy, Clem Becker.

Funeral services will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Institute on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 11:00 am. Visitation with family and friends will be held at church from 9:00 until mass. Following mass, a luncheon will held in the church basement for fellowship and memory sharing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization dear to Jill’s heart, Christ Child Society – Door County chapter (PO Box 572, Sturgeon Bay, WI).