Janet Marie (Ward) Cavanaugh (formerly Lynch), 83, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Hagerstown, MD.

Born on August 16, 1942, in Clear Spring, MD to the late Nelson Lee Ward Sr and Theresa Kathleen (McKeown) Griffith (formerly Ward), Janet became the devoted wife of the late James Douglas Lynch until his death in 1985, with whom she raised their three children. Following Doug's death Janet enjoyed 16 years with her second husband, the late Homer Cavanaugh.

As a mother, grandmother, and family matriarch, Janet was known for her unconditional love, generosity, faith, and service to others. Known to her numerous grandchildren as "Nanny" and to her nieces and nephew as "Aunt Janet", she lovingly cared for them and their children, offering constant support, meals, and a welcoming home. She also helped organize many annual Ward family reunions and over the years hosted other family gatherings where everyone knew they would find good food, laughter, and a place to belong.

After retiring from Maryland Ribbon, Janet devoted herself fully to her family and her parish community. A longtime member of St. James Catholic Church in Boonsboro and the Catholic Daughters, she was often found in the church kitchen, cooking for fundraisers and events such as bingo, soup suppers, and parish picnics, always ready to lend a hand.

Janet was also preceded in death by her brother Nelson "Butch" Ward.

She is survived by two sons, James Lynch (Janice) of Bel Air MD and Lawrence Lynch of Hagerstown; a daughter, Teresa Demosky (Kevin) of Hagerstown. one brother Richard Short (Patti) of Hagerstown; and one sister Brenda Jones Pendleton (Bud) of Inwood, WV.; seven grandchildren, David Lynch, Ryan Lynch (Kristen), Chris Lynch (Agnes), Gwen Demosky, Patrick Demosky (Aisling), Anthony Ferrara (Kait) and Danny Ferrara; seven great-grandchildren, Maverick Lynch, Landon Lynch, Myles Lynch, Grant Lynch, Isabel Cummings, Lucca Ferrara, Leo Ferrara; three nieces, Jessica Sebastian, Brittany Myers, and Amanda Jones; one nephew Dustin Short; several great nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her stepfamily and in-laws. Janet is also survived by her Fur Baby, best friend and companion Daisy May.

Family and friends will be received at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Boulevard, Hagerstown, MD, on Monday, March 2 at 9:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church, 121 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD at 11:00am, with interment to follow at St. Paul's Reformed Church Cemetery, 14106 National Pike, Clear Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Janet's memory by gathering with your own loved ones, sharing a meal, and offering a helping hand to someone in need—just as she did throughout her life.