Mary Cavanaugh, Chatham, Massachusetts, – she is reeling from the loss of Mary Cavanaugh, the Executive Director of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. Mary’s passing has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and clients. The sad news was conveyed in a heartfelt post made on a Wednesday, stating, “On behalf of the Select Board, Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, and Town staff: We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mary Cavanaugh, Executive Director of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce.” The exact cause of her death remains unknown.
In December 2010, Mary and her family made the life-changing decision to move to Chatham, bidding farewell to their previous residence in Chicago. However, Chatham had always held a special place in Mary’s heart, playing a significant role in her life for many years. Mary’s connection to Chatham and the surrounding New England area runs deep. She originally hails from Walpole, MA, and her ties to Chatham date back to 1982 when she began spending her summer vacations in this picturesque town. Her commitment to the area solidified in 2003 when she acquired her own home in Chatham.
Before her relocation to Chatham, during her time in Chicago, Mary immersed herself in the real estate industry. For two years, she excelled as a real estate professional in Oak Park, IL. Prior to venturing into real estate, she dedicated a decade to computer sales and recruiting, showcasing her diverse skill set and adaptability.
Over the past 15 years, Mary took on the challenge of constructing and renovating three homes, demonstrating her keen eye for property development. She also efficiently managed three rental properties, further highlighting her competence in the real estate realm. Mary’s educational background included a degree in marketing from the University of Massachusetts, providing her with a solid foundation for her real estate endeavors. Her character was marked by remarkable qualities: boundless energy, ambition, conscientiousness, and an unwavering dedication to hard work.Town of Chatham, MA, shared a facebook post, sharing sorrow for Mary Cavanaugh. They stated that:
“On behalf of the Select Board, Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, and Town staff: We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mary Cavanaugh, Executive Director of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. Mary was a vital partner to the Town throughout her tenure at the Chamber and was a key component in improving communications between local government and the business community, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her inclusion of the Select Board and Town Manager in Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for new businesses in Town highlighted the close partnership we share which she was vital in building. Her love for Chatham was evident in the enthusiasm with which she promoted local businesses and events in her professional capacity and her personal interactions as a resident. She brought a light to every room she entered, and she will be missed by many. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends at the most difficult time”.
Mary’s genuine passion lay in the world of buying and selling real estate, particularly in the enchanting surroundings of Chatham and the neighboring towns of the lower Cape. Throughout her tenure at the Chamber of Commerce, Mary served as a vital ally to the Town, contributing to the improvement of relations between local government and the business sector, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on as Chatham remembers her as a devoted leader who made a significant impact on both business and community life.
