Barbara Jean Cavanagh

Barbara Jean Cavanagh, 95, of Brownsburg, passed away Aug. 18, 2026, at IU Health West in Avon.

She was born Jan. 31, 1931, in Gary, Ind., to Sophia and Michael Anthony. In the late 1930s, the family moved to Culver, Ind., where they owned and operated the Culver Hotel. She graduated from Culver High School in 1949 and later earned a degree in education from Butler University.

On April 9, 1955, she married John R. “Jack” Cavanagh in Culver. She began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher for Brownsburg Community Schools while she and Jack started their family. She taught full-time until her youngest son entered grade school and continued working as a substitute teacher for Brownsburg schools into the mid-1990s.

She enjoyed motorcycles, snowmobiles, dune buggies, and spending time at the family vacation home in Silver Lake, Mich. In the mornings, Barb could often be found sitting on the deck reading her favorite mystery novel. In the evenings, she enjoyed riding the dune buggy into the sand dunes, climbing a hill overlooking Lake Michigan, and watching the sunset. Once the sun went down, it was time to gather around an outdoor fire and cook hot dogs with her grandchildren. She also developed a passion for lighthouses, especially Little Sable Point Lighthouse. At home in Brownsburg, she loved volunteering at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Another favorite activity was tending her summer garden, and her canned green beans were a family favorite.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; sons, Robert (Kathy) Cavanagh of Greenfield, Kenneth (Darlene Smith) Cavanagh of Pittsboro, John (Tammy) Cavanagh of Silver Lake, Mich., and Paul (Leah) Cavanagh of Brownsburg; sister, Joan Kubiak of South Bend; sisters-in-law, Shirley Anthony and Susan (Bruce) Moore of Carmel; grandchildren, Taylor (Rachel) Cavanagh of Denver, Colo., Katie (Brian Thompson) Cavanagh of Zionsville, and Laura (Daniel) Heinekamp of Speedway; great-granddaughters, Madelyn Cavanagh and Nora Heinekamp; and numerous nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Anthony; her in-laws; and her brothers-in-law, Donald Cavanagh and Leonard Kubiak

Family and friends, and all whose lives were enriched by Barbara’s presence are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Centers - Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd W Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Although she is gone from this earth, her beacon of love will continue to shine in all those who knew and loved her.