Laurie Jo Cavanaugh

To view a recording of Laurie Jo's funeral service, click the following link,  https://youtu.be/54lsNxMMzCk

Laurie Jo Cavanaugh, age 59, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND, with her family by her side.

Laurie Jo was born on April 9, 1963 at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, ND to Gordon and Violet (West) Cavanaugh. Due to her father being in the military, the family lived in Florida for a period of time until settling in Grand Forks, ND. Laurie Jo was educated by Grand Forks Public Schools and the Adult Learning Center.

Laurie Jo went on to work at Agassiz Enterprises and volunteered at the Grand Forks Public Library. She also enjoyed events, socializing, and dances at the LISTEN Center. She was an active participant in the Special Olympics and won numerous ribbons in events for bowling and basketball. She always looked forward to state bowling each year in Bismarck.

In her free time, Laurie Jo enjoyed sipping on a diet coke, watching wrestling, gambling, and watching old Westerns. She was a large part of the lives of her sister, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She really enjoyed children. She had a great sense of humor and would often be heard talking about Tim McGraw or using the phrase, ‘Oh great.’ She attended church at University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND and admired “Father Tom.”

She lived independently most of her life, with the assistance of staff from Development Homes, Inc, especially her social worker, Barb Durkin.  She was blessed with great friends and roommates that will miss her dearly. She enjoyed spending time with her long-time friend and roommate, Patti Bouldin.

As we mourn the loss of Laurie Jo, we are comforted in knowing she is welcomed in Heaven by her parents, her dog Smokey, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and several cousins.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Becky and Ross Brossart; nephews and nieces Garret Brossart (Fargo, ND), Brittany (Mitchell) Haugen (Grand Forks, ND), Anthony (Reina) Brossart (Council Bluffs, IA), and Katie (Kyle) Jorgenson (Leeds, ND); great nephews and nieces, Ace and Vivian Brossart, Caleb Brossart and Jameson Haugen, and Mara Jorgenson; along with numerous cousins who were like siblings to her.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00am with visitation starting at 10:00 am at University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND with Pastor Tom Colenso officiating. A light lunch will be served following the funeral. Laurie Jo will be buried next to her parents at Memorial Park Cemetery North following lunch. Memorials in honor of Laurie Jo can be sent to the Special Olympics of North Dakota.

The family of Laurie Jo would like to send a special thank you to all the staff at Valley Senior Living on Columbia for the care they provided.