Veronica M. Cavanagh

Great Falls, Montana: Veronica Margaret (Hill) Cavanagh, age 96, a longtime resident of Glendive, Montana passed away on Monday, March 11, 2013 of natural causes at the home of her granddaughter in Great Falls surrounded by her family. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2013 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Joseph Ponessa officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Veronica was the youngest child born to Otis and Mary Ann (Carroll) Hill on November 11, 1916 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They lived on a ranch outside of Wibaux, Montana. She attended Bryan Plains country school and Lincoln elementary school. She graduated from St. MaryÂ’s High School in Richardton, North Dakota in May of 1935 and attended Columbus Hospital School of Nursing in Great Falls until contracting tuberculosis. She spent time in Galen Hospital in Anaconda, Montana recovering. On February 22, 1940 she married the love of her life, Frank Cavanagh. She worked as a telegrapher for the railroad during the war and Frank was a police officer for the city of Glendive. Frank was tragically killed in the line of duty in July of 1946. Their daughter Frankie was born in February of 1947 and Veronica began to brave life as a single parent and became the strong independent woman that she was. She worked for the telephone company, Gamble Robinson and MDU, where she worked for 30 plus years. When VeronicaÂ’s mother became ill, she took care of her in her home while working full time and being a full time single parent. Veronica continued to care for others all through her life, including housing nieces, caring for ailing aunts, and assisting friends in whatever needed. Because of her, many people were able to go to school or finish school and become more than they could have been without her. She finally allowed someone else to care for her when she spent a year and half living with her granddaughter Veronica in Madison, Wisconsin from September of 2005 to January of 2007. She returned to Glendive and lived at the Grandview Retirement Home until May of 2009, when she moved to Great Falls to be cared for by her daughter and granddaughter. She was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, supporting their schools and many church organizations, including prolife organizations, monasteries, convents, and seminaries. She also supported many service organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Mercy Homes, St. Labre Indian School, Covenant House, Disabled Veterans organizations, and the American Heart Association. Veronica is survived by her daughter Frankie and her husband Dick Holmes of Great Falls; grandchildren, Shannon (Jeff) Behounek of Billings, Montana; Jennifer Holmes of Great Falls; Veronica (Robert) Ruhle of Madison, Wisconsin; and Michael Holmes of Great Falls; great-grandchildren, Jeremy Behounek, Bridget, Ryan, Libby, Reece, Brooke ,and Jacob Ruhle (and one on the way); nephews and nieces, Marvin (Mary) Christianson, Marie (Tim) Stanaway, Kay Wynne, Elayne (Gene) Deines, Jim (Shelly) Christianson, Veronica (Jim) Witkowski, CarrollAnn (Bob Cromwell) Hill, Patti Hill, Annie (Gary) Feist; niece-in-law Joni Hill; multiple great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nephews and nieces, cousins and numerous special friends. She was strong willed but a tender spirit and touched many lives and hearts, she will be greatly missed. She was our Mom, Grandma, Nanama, Aint Veron, Aunt Veron, Sweet pea, our friend and now she is our angel. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.

Veronica M. Cavanagh

November 11, 1916 - March 16, 2013

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Veronica M. Cavanagh

November 11, 1916 - March 16, 2013

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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365 Days of Grief Support