Helene Deborah Cavanaugh

Helene Deborah Cavanaugh, 55, of Cypress, TX died Jan. 12, 2017, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Texas due to respiratory complications associated with her long battle with stage 4 lung cancer. She was born on Sept. 21, 1961, in The Bronx, NY to Arnold and Judith Goldstein. She spent her youth in the New York City suburbs with her sister, Denise, and made many great friendships that endured until her passing. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with a degree in psychology. She also attained a master’s in psychology at Lesley University in Boston. While at Northeastern, she met the great love of her life, Chris Cavanaugh. Chris and Helene were married on Nov. 2, 1985, at a Unitarian church in Framingham, MA. While in the Boston area, Helene worked in various management roles for a temporary staffing company. In 1989, the first of Helene’s two lovely daughters, Lindsey, was born. In 1990, Helene and Chris moved to Dallas, TX where Megan was born in 1992. While in the Dallas area, Helene primarily worked for a community college in Plano, TX. Helene and family subsequently moved to the Houston suburbs in 1993. Her daughters attended school in the Cy-Fair school district, where Helene (to no one’s surprise who knew her) was very involved in her children’s activities, including Girl Scouts, athletics and music. She enjoyed a renewed career in the temporary staffing industry and became the executive director of a temporary staffing association. Before her cancer diagnosis, she was excited and proud to partner with two great friends in the start-up of new temporary staffing company. Her partners were thrilled to have her involved, and she was one of the key driving forces in the early success of the venture.

After not feeling well during the fall of 2013, Helene was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on New Year’s Eve 2013. A non-smoker, she battled bravely and valiantly for three years after her diagnosis. She endured many rounds and types of treatment, but she always kept a hopeful attitude and truly believed she would fight on longer than she did. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Chris, her children, Lindsey and Megan, her mother, Judith Bash and husband, Albert, her sister, Denise Goldstein, and many truly great and devoted friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Goldstein.

Respecting Helene’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. She asked that we have a party instead. There will be a celebration of life in her honor on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside (13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079) from 5–8 p.m. Those who will attend are asked to share a memory of Helene aloud or in writing during the remembrance.

Helene has a great many interests in life, including many charitable pursuits. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Citizens for Animal Protection in Katy, TX or a cancer charity of your choice.