Mary Canavan Bacqué

Mary Canavan Bacqué, 84, of Madison, formerly of New Haven and Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Evergreen Woods in North Branford, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born on March 7, 1941, in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Eugene and Mary (Hogan) Canavan. She was the beloved wife of the late Harvey G. Bacqué.

She is survived by her brother, Eugene J. Canavan Jr. (Susan) of Branford; nieces Kelly Anne Anderson (Rick) of Guilford, Katie E. Hackbarth (Michael), and Allison Canavan (John Rowe); nephews James J. Canavan, Sean Bacqué, and Jodi Bacqué; and her grandnephews and grandnieces, Ryan Patrick Baker (Lisa), Cullen Daniel Baker, Brendan Michael Baker, and Mary Kate Green (Ricky). She was also blessed with great-grandniece and great-grandnephew, Brooks Perez Baker and Meadow Perez Baker.

A graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1958, Mary remained proud of her lifelong connection to her alma mater and was active in the Sacred Heart Alumni Association. Following graduation, she served as Executive Secretary to the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, where she was known for her professionalism and dedication. She later worked as a legal secretary with Engleman and Welch Ruben of New Haven and for many years at the Madison Town Hall, Office of the Town Clerk. She was also a longtime member of the Graduate Club in New Haven.

Mary enjoyed extensive travel with her husband, Harvey, exploring destinations across the United States and around the world. She also loved the penny slot at the casino and cherished lunches with her Sacred Heart High School girlfriends, activities she continued to enjoy until shortly before her passing.

Mary will be remembered for her loyalty to family, her devotion to tradition, and the deep bonds she formed with those close to her. She was predeceased by her sister, Claire E. Kavanagh of Guilford.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison.

Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison.

Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.