Ruth Cavanaugh

Ruth Anne Wilkinson Cavanaugh, 89 of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Born on November 19, 1933 in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lucille Palmer (Alexander) and Gordon H. Palmer.

Ruth's career as an elementary school teacher lasted for close to 40 years, beginning at Vincentian Institute in Albany, NY, then on to  Hamagrael Elementary in Delmar, NY where she spent the bulk of her career before retiring to Columbia, MD. It wasn't too long before she missed the classroom and took a job at St. Louis Catholic School in Clarksville, MD. She and her husband, Philip Cavanaugh, moved to Isle of Palms, and finally to Mt. Pleasant, SC where she enjoyed assisting Phil with instilling the love of music to young children. 

Ruth's passions involved singing in the choir at Stella Maris Catholic Church, classical music, reading, walks on the beach, sitting in the sun, and all animals. She was a very social person and everyone she met was a new friend. 

Ruth is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Chandelle Wilkinson. Ruth is survived by her husband, Philip S. Cavanaugh of Mount Pleasant, SC; son Joseph Wilkinson of Brewster, MA ; daughters Jann M. Parker (Don) of Marlborough, CT; Sue W Dyer (Larry) of Hernando Beach, FL; and Nancy Wilkinson of Myrtle Beach, SC; step daughters Stacy J. Cavanaugh of Brooklyn, NY;  Kathleen Elkin (Alar) of Huntsville, Utah; and Christine Cavanaugh of Long Beach, NY. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, many friends, and her cat Sebastian.

The service will be held at 11 o'clock on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482. The inurnment will be held at Mepkin Abbey Cemetery, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC. A gathering will be held at the house afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Helpers,1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, or Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.

Whether you attend in person or in spirit, please wear bright colors to honor her memory. In her words, "No black or somber clothes or I'll come back to haunt you!"

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843)884-3833.