Kathleen ‘Kate’ Mary Kavanaugh, 61, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation Center in Peabody. She was the beloved wife of the late Ross Schubarth whom she spent 20 years of marriage with until his passing in October of 2017.

She was born in Beverly on May 15, 1962 and was the dearly loved daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (McCormack) Kavanaugh.

Kate never met a stranger. Her great sense of humor and empathetic nature served her well in the service industry for many years. She enjoyed simple pleasures like reading with a good cup of tea and spending time with loved ones. Kate loved her family fiercely.

Kate is survived by her daughter, Meghan Kavanaugh and her husband Christopher Johansson of Saxtorp, Sweden; her two sons, Jared and Kevin Riviera, both of Rochester, NH; her sisters, Maureen Hilfinger and her husband Robert of Beverly, Anne Marie Coggins and her husband Mark of Reedville, VA and Mary Ellen Percival and her husband Steven of Georgetown; her brothers, Thomas Kavanaugh of Peabody and Kevin Kavanaugh of Alexandria, VA; her granddaughter, Esme Kavanaugh of Saxtorp, Sweden; her aunt, Carol Nash of Dover, NH; her loving companion of many years, Kenneth Wilson of Lynn; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.