We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jean Ann (Hoffman) Canavan, born on December 5, 1953, and who left us on March 1, 2025. She was a member of the Class of 1972.

Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this difficult time.

In memory of Jean, a special memorial page has been established, and the Sayville Alumni Association will honor her annually on her birthday, December 5th. It is our hope that this tribute provides solace to all who knew and cherished her, ensuring that her spirit remains alive in our hearts.

A beautifully crafted obituary narrates the life of Jean, an extraordinary woman. This tribute has been prepared and is shared here coutesy of the Provident Funeral Home, located at 3800 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT 84403. For inquiries, please contact (801) 393-2711.  Thank you to the Provident Funeral Home.

https://providentfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jean-canavan

In loving Memory
Jean Ann Hoffman Canavan
12/05/1953-03/01/2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Jean Canavan, a dedicated nurse, beloved mother, and cherished friend. Jean departed from this world on March 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Born on December 5, 1953, in Queens, New York, Jean was the loving daughter of the late Robert and Florence Hoffman and a dear sibling to Irene, Diane, Janet, Albert, Connie, and Bob. She grew up in Babylon, New York, later attending high school in Sayville before pursuing her passion for nursing at Mid Suffolk Nursing School on Long Island.

Jean eventually moved to Las Vegas, where she met and married Tom Butcher. Together, they later settled in Utah, where Jean embraced her role as a devoted mother to Julia and Joe Butcher. Her greatest joy, however, came with the birth of her daughter, Katrina, whom she adored. Though Jean and Tom’s marriage ended after seven years, they remained close friends.

Jean later found love again with Bud Canavan, with whom she shared twenty years of marriage. She became a loving stepmother to his children, Amber, Randy, and Matt. Together, they built a home in North Salt Lake, where they raised their family and even opened their hearts to foster children.

Jean’s happiest role in life was that of a grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, Brock, Violet, and Kenidee, who were the light of her life. She formed an unbreakable bond with them, showering them with love, laughter, and wisdom.

Though raised in the Catholic faith, Jean’s spiritual journey led her to explore various religions before becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She considered this one of the best decisions of her life and found deep fulfillment in her faith, strengthened by the guidance and friendship of her dear neighbor, Jennifer Hughes.

Jean’s warmth and generosity were evident in all she did. She had a love for the outdoors, finding joy in fishing, camping, and caring for animals. She kept chickens, rabbits, ducks, and cats, spending peaceful moments in her backyard with them. Her beloved dog, Princess, held a special place in her heart.

A woman who thrived on companionship, Jean always welcomed visitors, even if they had to endure her ever-present fan—she was always warm, but her home was filled with warmth of a different kind: love, laughter, and the chatter of neighborhood children who adored spending time with her.

Jean’s compassionate nature extended into her career as a pediatric home healthcare nurse. She dedicated her life to caring for children, bringing comfort and healing to families in need. Her service in hospitals and nursing homes touched countless lives, a testament to her unwavering kindness and selflessness.

In 2010, Jean faced one of her greatest challenges when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Though the odds were often against her, she fought bravely for fifteen years, defying expectations and inspiring everyone with her resilience. Her journey was made possible by the dedicated doctors and nurses who cared for her, and her family is deeply grateful for the additional years of cherished memories she was able to share with them.

Seven years ago, Jean reconnected with Tom Butcher, and the two shared a special companionship in the later years of her life. The family is thankful for the comfort and friendship they provided each other.

Jean will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering love. Her life was a beautiful testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact one heart can have on the world.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Florence Hoffman; her brother, Albert; and her brothers-in-law, Jerry Fields and Roger Giacomini.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Katrina, wonderful son in law Drew, and her grandchildren, Brock, Violet, and Kenidee, her siblings, Irene, Diane, Janet, Connie, and Bob; her dear companion, Tom Butcher; and his children, Joe and Julia.

We invite all who knew and loved Jean to share their memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page. May these remembrances serve as a lasting tribute to her beautiful life and the love she so freely gave.

We would love to give special thanks to Jean’s son in law Drew Chadwick, son Joe Butcher, Neice Crystal and Rose Hunt, friends, Natalie and Stephen Kuhn, Jennifer and Ben Hughes, Stan and Mary Porter, Carol and Tom Butte, John Lubbers, The Tidwell’s, and so many other friends and loved ones who have been there every step of the way to help Jean.

A celebration of life for Jean with be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 350 North Main St. North Salt Lake, Utah at 2:00pm on Monday March 10, 2025. We would love to invite family and friends to attend.