Obituary: Marnie Elizabeth Cavanaugh of Waterbury

Obituary courtesy of Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care

Ms. Marnie Elizabeth Cavanaugh

August 9, 1977 — August 12, 2024

Waterbury

One-of-a-kind singer, dancer, poet, and entertainer

Marnie Elizabeth Cavanaugh, passed away on August 12 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury after a brief illness. Although her life was brief at just 47 years, it was legendary to the thousands of people fortunate enough to have known her. Everyone who knew Marnie has a “Marnie story”—a fun, funny, unexpected, and unpredictable moment that only gets better with each retelling. The sadness of her passing will be lightened by the joy of her incredible memory.

Marnie was born on August 9, 1977, to William Joseph, Jr. and Barbara (Sullivan) Cavanaugh in the East End of Waterbury. She was the eighth of nine children and is survived by her siblings: William (Bill) III; Mimi De La Rosa and her husband Jerry; Ellon (Lonnie); Katie Forte and her husband Mark; Colleen and her wife Laura; Timothy; and Brenda Toma and her husband Marty. She was predeceased by her father and her brother, Stephen. Marnie was adored by her many nieces and nephews: Brittany Garguilo and her husband Peter, along with their children Clara and Jack; Elon Tamulonis and her husband Kyle, and their son Callum; Miranda and Liam Cavanaugh; Mark Jr. and Danielle Forte; Marnie De La Rosa; and Teddy and Lucy Toma. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In her younger years, Marnie excelled as a Special Olympian in gymnastics, swimming, and skiing. She gifted her family with lifelong friendships formed by cheering her on at local games and at the International Special Olympic Games in Minnesota. As she got older, Marnie traded the slopes and the pool for the dance floor. Anyone who ever caught her performance of "All That Jazz" at The Cave bar and restaurant would tell you they had experienced pure joy. That was Marnie’s gift—she brought everyone along for a wild ride filled with love and laughter.
It's almost impossible to capture Marnie’s life in words. She was a force of nature in a 4’8” frame. Incredible things just seemed to happen to her, and the rest of us were just used to it. Like the time she met her teenage idol on the streets of New York City. After seeing a play, she was walking with family when they passed the back door of a theater where John Stamos was performing in "How to Succeed in Business." At the very moment Marnie walked by the door with his name on it, John Stamos walked out and came right over to introduce himself to her. Just like that. Because that’s how special she was—the extraordinary became commonplace. She believed in magic and made us all believe too.

Marnie leaves an indelible mark on all our hearts. Her leopard-print, sequin-covered dancing shoes are far too big for anyone to ever fill. You will be missed and always adored.

Funeral services for Ms. Cavanaugh will be held on Monday August 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Family and friends may visit with the Cavanaugh family on Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St., Waterbury.

To honor Marnie’s memory and in lieu of flowers, contributions to Special Olympics CT, 2666 State St, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com .