On September 5, 2024, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Kavanagh, 89, passed peacefully at a home in Severna Park, MD.

She was predeceased by her father and mother, Andrew John "Sarge" Makar and Mary Bertha Zebron, as well as brothers, Daniel Makar, Andy Makar, Raymond Makar, Louis Makar, and Joseph Makar. She is survived by her dear sister Shirley Margaret Johnson of Taylor's Island; a daughter Denise Smith and husband Robert S. Smith III of Severna Park; her four sons, Patrick Michael of Baltimore, Christopher James and wife Emily of Colorado, Timothy Jude and wife Teresa of Alaska, Matthew Lopaka and wife Carla Ann of Severna Park; and 10 grandchildren, Brian, Katherine, Robert, Stephanie, Iris, Isabella, Gabriel, Kyle, Abby, and Anna Joy; and 3 great grandchildren, Ash, Pagan, and Theia. She enjoyed four generations of family, relatives. and friends.

Betty was born at Fort Meade Army hospital on July 27, 1935. After a brief move to Fort Knox, KY, where she attended the Fort Knox Independent Schools, her family returned to Brooklyn, MD where she resumed her schooling, graduating with the Class of 1953 from Southern High School in South Baltimore. During that time, she was elected Class Vice-President, Stamp and Bond Representative, and Library Representative. She also attended a local art school after being recognized for her advanced artistic talent and a passion for fashion design.

During her school years, she met many lifelong friends, as well as her husband of 58 years, Robert. They spent several years dating and were married on September 8, 1956. Not long after, the couple began a family that grew to seven, and a whirlwind of moves around the globe ensued. Following her husband's career, she traveled and lived in Hawaii, Iran, Switzerland, and Thailand as well as visiting many other interesting destinations along the way.

Betty was a devoted wife and dedicated to raising her family. She enjoyed cooking, collecting many recipes from the various cultures she encountered. However, an ultimate favorite was a family traditional dish, the Polish staple golumpki, that was handed down from her mother, "Busha." She also mastered an authentic Paella that was a family favorite.

She was an avid gardener, spending countless hours applying her green thumb, planting flowers and shrubbery across many homes throughout the years. She and Bob were active in various social clubs that landed them most notably at the Ferndale Community club. She was also known to participate in tennis, bowling, and many other extracurricular activities for entertainment.

Her most renowned characteristic was her social grace. Her outgoing personality and loving nature brought a smile and joy to all that she met. She was happiest when spending time with friends and family, which were both abundant.

A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, September 12, from 10:30-12:30 PM at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.

A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at St. Bernadette Church, 801 Stevenson Rd, Severn, MD 21144.

Finally, a memorial ceremony will be held at the Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032, beginning promptly at 2:30 PM.

Donations made in honor of Mary Elizabeth Kavanagh to Hospice of the Chesapeake (www.hospicechesapeake.org) are also appreciated.