She was born July 11, 1947, to the late John and Germilla Pavlasek. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor, Texas. She received her associate degree in business from Temple College.

She married her forever love, Larry Joe Cavanaugh, June 15, 1968, and celebrated 55 years of marriage before his death.

Irene first entered her financing career as a teller with First State Bank of Texas and retired after 40 years as a bookkeeper/ banker from Cadence Bank in Bartlett.

She was a member of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas, where she organized and taught catechism classes for the youth. She also served as Eucharist minister for many years.

Irene was strong in her faith to God.

She loved her family deeply; they were her greatest joy. She loved watching sports, mostly when her son was playing, and her joy continued as her grandchildren were involved in athletics as well.

She also had a passion for shopping, not only for herself but mainly for her loved ones and their needs.

Irene had a magical way of planning and taking family vacations, enjoying all of the love and memories made along the way.

Irene leaves behind many cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

In addition to her husband and her parents, Irene is proceeded in death by her sister Linda Grigsby and father- and mother-in-law Wallace and Doris Voight.

Survivors include her son Kevin Cavanaugh (Joann Bell); sister Patsy (Jim Hightower); brother- in-law Don Grigsby; and sister-in-law Tina (Travis Steglich).

Other survivors include grandchildren Kailey (Logan Mahlock), Cameron Cavanaugh (Julie Rhoades), Kaycee Cavanaugh and Gavin Bell; nephews Brandon Grigsby (Kathleen and children Josiah and Leslieanne), Thomas Steglich and Todd Steglich (Liz); nieces Amy (Phillip Martinka) and Heidi (Brad Cooper); greatnephews Aydon and Kyle Grigsby, Archie and Claude Steglich; and great-nieces Emma and Abigail Martinka, Addison Cooper and Emily Steglich.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support shown to us.

A funeral service is Saturday, Jan. 18, at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 100 N. Brazos St., Granger.

A rosary will be recited at 9:20 a.m. with Legion of Mary and a Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Hilario Guajardo and Deacon Mack White officiating.

Internment is in Holy Cross Mausoleum, Granger.