Noreen Kay Cavanaugh

Noreen Kay Cavanaugh Makpiya Ska Win “White Cloud Woman” January 7, 1961 – May 18, 2017 Funeral services for Noreen’s family and close friends will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church with Father Charles Leute and Father Paul Schuster officiating. Rosary prayer service will be held Monday, May 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michaels Church. A meal to celebrate Noreen’s life will be shared in the Tech Center following the funeral service. Noreen, 55, Tokio, ND, was the beloved wife of Darrel H. Smith, the two married on July 7, 2007. Angels took her home to the Lord on Wednesday, May, 18 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Noreen was born January 7, 1961 in Devils Lake, ND, the youngest daughter of Herman “Cap” and MaryAnn (Greene) Cavanaugh of St. Michael. She lived her last five years loving the joys of her life while courageously fighting lung cancer. She encouraged everyone to learn more about their health and cancer. Noreen will be laid to rest in the ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Pall bearers for Noreen will be Michelle Cavanaugh, Myra Hunt, Dee Ann Lufkins, Valerie Bull, Tammy Remmen, Stacey Dionne, Allen Crough, Elaine Mclaughlin, and El Marie Conklin. Noreen grew up on the family farm/ranch in St. Michael, ND. She attended school in Devils Lake, ND, New England, ND and Vermillion, SD. She studied and completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Minot State University. Noreen dedicated her professional career caring for others and striving for the betterment of her community. She worked as an administrative assistant to Tribal Council Representative/Chairman Elmer White, she served as the Director for the Spirit Lake Motor Vehicle and Licensing program, and she then served as the Tribal Judge for over 10 years for the Juvenile Court system of the Spirit Lake Tribe and later worked for ND Job Service. Her last years of employment where dedicated to planning and successful development of the Tribal Tax system and business licensing divisions for the Spirit Lake Tribe, as the Tribe’s Tax Commissioner. Noreen further worked to better her community and the tribal system by serving as a Board Representative on the Law and Order Board, as appointed by the people of the Woodlake District, and other tribal government committees and boards. Over her many years of dedication to her work, she was greatly involved in Indian Country, State and Tribal government tax issues, law and order, licensing for business, road construction/transportation and overall tribal government relations and in advisement to many Tribal Councils. Noreen loved all animals. Her happiness everyday was her dogs and cats. She was the family pet “Dr. Advisor”. Her excitement every spring was awaiting and announcing the birth of the new colts and calves on her and Darrel’s 3 Lazy S Ranch. She loved gardening with her dad every year and they conducted serious seed ordering sessions each winter to be ready for early spring planting. She was our champion jelly/jam maker. She exceled at canning all the garden harvest and truly enjoyed sharing her stores with her family, friends and many community members for their own events. Preparing June berries and drying corn was a hard work joy but ones that she looked forward to each spring and fall. Her computer games, TV programs were her enjoyment and pastime. Noreen was a kid-at-heart enjoying Disney and other animated children movies. She was always one to remind us of the importance of taking pictures at family events. Noreen leaves us here to continue her work and joys in life; husband Darrel, stepdaughters and grandchildren Michelle Meyer (Lynn) and their sons Lane, Jacob, Brody and Mason - Grand Forks; Holly Smith (Bill) and their daughter Mia - Bismarck. Her parents; sisters Peggy (Earl Bullhead) - St. Michael; Kelly Reitz (Eric) - Warwick; Roderick (Michelle) - Sheyenne. Uncles: William J Cavanaugh (Debbie), Clarence Green (Pam), Roger Greene (Shirley), Edward Greene (Rhonda), and Robert Greene. Aunts: Rosalie Baer, Edna McCaslin, Ida Cavanaugh, and Darlene Wadsworth. Her Godchildren Inila Bullhead, Krystal Caldwell, Alex Cavanaugh, Kevana “Coni” Bullhead, Sadiee Nelson and Emiliano Christian Zapata-Bullhead. Her special “PAW” children Wicincana, Tokpaya, and Smokey her dogs; Lucy, Stripey, Sister, and Sassy her cats. She is preceded in death by her brother Kevin Scott; Paternal grandparents - Clarence and Mabel (Dance Eagle) Cavanaugh; Maternal grandparents - Daniel Sr. and Lillian (Lajamodiere) Greene. Father-in-law Howard Smith. Infant niece Angel Cavanaugh. Little Angel Hoksicala. Uncles- Ben and Robert Cavanaugh, Elwed and Daniel Jr. Greene; Aunts - Amelia “Pokey” Richotte and Marie Gaking. Numerous other loved ones, relatives and very close friend Lori LaForte. Noreen leaves an imprint of her life’s journey of successes, challenges and teachings for her many nieces, nephews, and extended family’s grandchildren and great grandchildren to help them through their own journeys. We share our appreciation for Noreen with all her family, friends, relatives, colleagues, and coworkers who were a part of her life’s journey here on earth. Very special thanks to Dr. Panwaker and the staff at Roger Maris Cancer Center; Staff at Fargo Country Inn & Suites; Staff at Premier Healthcare Clinic; Jim Lamotte; Joanne Almen; Stephanie Bachmeier; and especially Roger Zimmerman.