Janet M. Cavano
(January 28, 1928 - February 27, 2017)

Dr. Janet M. Cavano, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed from this earth on February 27, 2017 after a short, fierce battle with cancer. A Shakespearean scholar, professor, and artist, Dr. Cavano devoted her life to learning, the arts, and cultivating beauty wherever she could.  Born in Denver, CO, Janet was raised in New York City and San Antonio, TX, met and married her college sweetheart Arthur, while obtaining her B.A. from the University of Denver. When he joined the Army, she became a world traveler, living in Japan, Germany, and travelling to Italy, Spain, France and The Netherlands, encouraging her five children to learn the language and teaching them courtesy and respect for other cultures. After settling in Fayetteville, NC, she taught English at Fayetteville High School, Sunday School at Holy Trinity, earned her Masters and Ph.D degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and became an English professor at Methodist University from 1966-1985. Recognized as Methodist University Professor of the Year in 1981, she was an uncompromising scholar and served as faculty advisor to Methodist University sororities and clubs.  After retiring, she continued teaching at Fayetteville State University and North Carolina State, maintained ties with the Society of Daughters of the United States Army, became an artist and patron of the Cape Fear Studios, and continued travelling the world, including Tunisia, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany. She was the family story keeper of family lore, and passed her love of literature, the arts and beauty to her grandchildren while hosting their summer visits to the tree farm at Camp Cavano, in Beaver Dam, NC.  Dr. Cavano is survived by her husband of 67 yrs, Arthur T Cavano, Jr. and five children: Thomas Cavano and Nancy Fontaine of Tallahassee, FL; Jame McCumbee and Will of Barboursville, WVA; Anne Moen and Chuck, of Sandy, OR; Jeffrey Cavano and Diana, of Dumfries, VA; and David Cavano and Tina, of Huntington Beach, CA; eighteen grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren, and counting. A memorial service and celebration of her life followed by a reception will be held March 11 at 11:00 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1601 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC.