Obituary of Mafilda Cavanagh

Mafilda “Mafil” Cavanagh, 72, of Delmar, NY, formerly of Riverdale, NY, passed away on January 10, 2020. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children, and entered into eternal life hearing whispered words of encouragement, reassurance, and love. Born December 1, 1947 in Alcantara, Romblon, Philippines, she is predeceased by her parents Primitivo and Romana Galicia Tabo, as well as her brother, Primitivo Tabo, Jr. Mafilda graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Arellano University School of Nursing and left her beloved home seeking new opportunities first in Canada in 1970. One year later, she followed another job opportunity to Yonkers, NY where she worked as an R.N. for St Joseph’s Hospital. It was at St Joseph’s where Mafil met her future husband, William. After a long pursuit, then courtship, they married on June 30, 1973 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverdale, NY. Together they lovingly raised their three children: Daniel Cavanagh, Shannon Mastrangelo, nee Cavanagh, and Tracy Cavanagh. Mafil’s passions included spending time with her grandchildren, traveling the world, listening to disco and Elvis music, dancing, and giving snacks to any animals that crossed her path. Mafil is best remembered for her grace, kindness, generosity, warmth, and hard work ethic. She was fiercely dedicated to her family and to her sisters; Mafil encouraged all to also attain the "American Dream" through education and hard work, to achieve her goals. Her motto was often, "work hard, THEN play hard". To know her was to love her. Anyone that met Mafilda once was considered family forever, and welcome in her life. Mafil is survived by her lovingly dedicated husband of 46 years, William Cavanagh. She is also survived by her son Danny & his wife Erica – granddaughters Hope, Faith & Madelyn; her daughter Shannon & her husband John - grandchildren Nicolina and John, daughter Tracy, & her favorite nurse, Katie. Surviving siblings include: Susan Mohammad, Marilyn Tabo, Adele Munsayac, M.D., Lucille King, and Cheryl Tabo. Special thanks is given to The Community Hospice of Albany, NY. Their warmth, expertise, and loving guidance and support in the last month and a half of Mafilda's life enabled the family to provide for Mafilda's comfort and care at home, after receiving a lifetime of such from her. In lieu of gifts or flowers, if anyone wishes to make a donation, whatever the amount, to the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center, in honor of Mrs. Mafilda Cavanagh, that would be greatly appreciated. The link is: https://lewybodyresourcecenter.org/donate/ Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Mailing Address: 750 West Broadway Suite 2R Long Beach, NY 11561