Obituary
Maureen Elizabeth Cavaliere, 80, of Ferrell, New Jersey, passed away from cancer on February 1, 2022.
She was born on July 20, 1941 to John and Norma Burke in Philadelphia. After graduating from Saint Hubert’s High School in 1959, she enjoyed working as a secretary at a forklift company called Yale and Towne where she met her forever friend, Gloria Guy.
When Maureen was in high school, she met Joseph John Cavaliere, who turned out to be the love of her life. After Joe returned from his deployment to Korea, and got out of the Army, they married on October 15th, 1960. When Maureen had her first child, Angel, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic mother. They welcomed four children. Angel Dove, Susan Reilley, Maureen (Renee) Dotson and Joseph Cavaliere, Jr. Together they raised their family of 4 in Philadelphia. In 1973 they said goodbye to their wonderful neighbors, the Plymouths, and moved to Ferrell NJ where they resided for the next 49 years.
Maureen selflessly supported her family through their many passions and difficulties in their lives. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others. She was active in the PTA while her children were in school and supported them in numerous extracurricular activities. She also joined Joe at the Ferrell Fire House where she devoted many hours to the Ladies Auxiliary. Helping out at the Ferrell Fair was a labor of love.
When Joe would find himself laid off, as carpenters often are, Maureen got a job as the Elk Township Clerk. She also cleaned houses to provide for the family. Whatever we needed, she made sure our needs were met. Her home was a gathering place for many years. She would pour out her love in every dish she made. All felt welcomed and loved.
Maureen was a Phillies fan since she was a young girl, but the Eagles were her passion in life. She hated when anyone would criticize her Eagles. She liked to watch the games by herself so she could cheer them on as loud as she liked. The cats hid during games. Some might call her a fanatic. If by fanatic you mean that she would rewatch winning games countless times as she cheered them on again and again, then she was indeed a fanatic.
Maureen had just moved to Florida on January 18th to start the next chapter of her life when she was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer. Thankfully we were able to be with Maureen and she was never alone and died peacefully at Cornerstone Hospice. She will be dearly missed.
Maureen is survived by:
Children- Angel Dove, Susan Reilley, Maureen Dotson and Joseph Cavaliere, Jr.
Grandchildren- Jennifer Dybus, Gary Watkins, Donna Dove, Shannon Lane, Steven Shankland, Michelle Reilley, Amanda Stancil and Andrew Dotson
Great Grandchildren- Tyler Dybus, Jordyn Stancil, Wyatt Stancil, Margot Lane
Sibling- Lynne Wigglesworth and her children Lynne Beth Johnson and Bobby Miller
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Norma Burke, Parents-in-law Angelina and Donato Cavaliere, her siblings-in-law, John Cavaliere, Mary Gomez, Danny Cavaliere, Rose Howe, Tony & Rita Picciano, and Carmella Ziegler, and her son-in law Fuzz Dove.
Much gratitude to Tim Reilley for his abundant support over the years. Other family members that meant the world to her: Allie Morgan, Larry Picciano, Corrine, Roseann & Michael Perlman, Loretta & Mark Newsom and Anthony & Sara Picciano, Carol & Ed Dietz, and Donna Dove “Sr”. Maureen was also very thankful to those that reached out with many kindnesses: Frankie Dove, Sue Seavy, the Devaults and Kathy Carter who graciously took in her two beloved cats.
Thank you for all of your warm thoughts and prayers. A celebration of life will be held in the spring in NJ. Time and place will be communicated later.
In Lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to Gloucester County Animal Shelter.
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