Mary Elaine Kavanah, nee Wise, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 in Winchester, VA. Mary Elaine was born in Helena, Montana the daughter of the late Harold and Mary (Mikula) Wise. She was married to John (Jack) Kavanah on October 28, 1950 in Yonkers, New York. Mary Elaine is a graduate of Gorton High School in Yonkers, NY and Southern Seminary Junior College in Buena Vista, VA. Upon graduation Mary Elaine worked for McCann Erickson in New York City and later for a copyright attorney in Westport, CT where she and Jack were longtime residents. Upon Jack’s retirement from Union Carbide-Dow Chemical the couple moved to Chocowinity, NC. Mary Elaine was especially fond of gardening, tennis, and playing bridge.

Mary Elaine is predeceased in death by daughter Judith Elizabeth Kavanah, husband Jack, sisters Phillis Hall and Natalie Walsh. She is survived by her sister Frances I. Wise of Farmington, CT, sons David (Sharon) Kavanah of Lake Frederick, VA, Peter (Elizabeth) Kavanah of Farmington, CT and daughter Jane (Lee) Schwocho of Thompsonville, MI; grandchildren, Matthew (Sara Scander) Kavanah, Meghan Kavanah, Andrew Kavanah, Katherine Kavanah; great grandchild Brayden Kavanah and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, CT in the spring of 2022.

Memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W Cork St, #405, Winchester, VA 22601 or the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy 485 Half Day Rd, Suite 350, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.