Nina I. Kavanaugh

Nina I. Kavanaugh, age 93, a resident of Wenatchee, WA, for most of her life, died peacefully on November 18, 2017, with her two sons by her side. She was born to Felix and Verda (Wiker) Thompson on October 27, 1924, at Deaconess Hospital in Wenatchee. She attended local schools, graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1942. She attended Wenatchee Valley College and the University of Washington, where she was affiliated with Chi Omega Sorority. She married her high school sweetheart, James F. Kavanaugh, on January 26, 1946. They made their home in Wenatchee, where they raised their two sons. In 1979, Jim and Nina moved to Walla Walla, WA, where Jim took over a small business. Nina worked as a secretary and later as administrative technician for the Bonneville Power Administration in both Wenatchee and Walla Walla, retiring in 1985, when they moved back to Wenatchee. Nina then worked part-time for United Way. When she was only four years old, Nina's small hands and fingers were severely damaged due to an accident. A Seattle surgeon was brought to Wenatchee to perform the complicated surgery. She was not expected to ever have full use of her hands. Defying all odds, Nina learned to play the piano, was an expert at shorthand, typing, and especially sewing. She could sew anything!! In 1992, Nina and four of her classmates from the WHS graduating class of 1942, organized the Wenatchee High School Alumni Association that is providing scholarships for post secondary school education or vocational training for deserving high school seniors. It has been very successful helping students continue their education, something Nina was very proud to be part of. Nina was a wonderful and fun Mom, smart, professional, stylish, and a lifelong friend to many! She will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; and two brothers: Lee and Don. She is survived by her two sons: John of Wenatchee, WA, and Ross of Seattle, WA; three grandchildren; and many other extended family members. We would like to sincerely thank the staff and caretakers at Colonial Vista Assisted Living who took such loving care of our Mother in her final two years. At Nina's request, she was cremated, and her ashes will be placed with her husband's ashes at Lake Wenatchee. There will be a family Celebration of her Life in the near future. Please make any donations in Nina's name to Scholarship At The Community Of NCW, 9 South Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA, 98801.

Nina I. Kavanaugh

October 27, 1924 - November 18, 2017