Lydia Maria Cavanaugh

November 16, 1951 - January 14, 2021

At the request of Lydia’s family please do not send flowers because there are no services at this time. Thank you. Lydia Maria Cavanaugh of Coram, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at the too young age of 69. A native New Yorker, Lydia was born in the Bronx on November 16th, 1951 to the late Jacob “Jack” and Virginia Scheer. Lydia is survived by her beloved children, Kevin Cavanaugh (Jennifer) and Marie Cavanaugh (Stephen); her cherished granddaughter, Hannah Cavanaugh-Hobin; her loving sister, Gretchen Wissmann (Barry); her loyal brothers, Howard Scheer (Carol) and Greg Scheer (Kathy); many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and countless friends and loved ones from near and far. A memorial service will be held for Lydia at a later date. Lydia was an exceptional and conscientious saleswoman known for her enthusiasm, sincerity, and expertise throughout her decades-long career at Macy’s. Thanks to her kindness, dedication, and warmth, she leaves behind a hefty stack of formal commendations from satisfied customers. Reading these letters offers a clear picture of the grace and humanity with which Lydia approached her work. In recognition of these letters, store managers often observed, “I see you’ve done it again” or “Seems like I have to add a letter to your personnel file at least once a month.” In a world in which so few people take the time to write about a pleasant shopping experience, it’s remarkable to see how many people were moved to do so following their encounters with Lydia. If you were to ask her about these encounters, she’d say her favorite were in the Jewelry and Children’s Departments. Though she faced personal hardships, loss, and health challenges later in life, Lydia always maintained her sunny disposition and effortlessly made the important things in life look easy. Affectionate, warm, and thoughtful, Lydia always gave freely of herself – to her loved ones as well as to strangers in need. Wherever she went (it literally didn’t matter where – the train station, the library, a crowded elevator, the hospital, etc.), she would walk away with phone numbers and new friends. Lydia savored the little things in life, and her little granddaughter brought her enormous joy and a new target for her oversized propensity for affection in her final years. She loved her family, late night talks, shopping for her granddaughter, the outdoors, traveling, meeting new people, watching movies (even the ones that put her to sleep or made her jump out of her seat), the holidays, and collecting angels, cardinals, and Santas. In her final days, she expressed tremendous gratitude for the many gifts in her life but made special note of the love and support of her family; having had the chance to provide love and support to her brother Lloyd Scheer in his final years; finding love with a retired Marine, the late Verlin Worlow; and reconnecting with her daughter. Her family will miss her warmhearted, shining spirit. She will forever remain a role model and hero for her bravery, compassion, and generosity. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lydia’s name to the American Cancer Society, a local food bank, or a charity of your choice.