Maureen N Kavalec

September 29, 1932 - June 12, 2022

VISTA — Maureen Nan Kavalec, age 89 of Elk Grove, CA and long-time resident of Vista, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 12, 2022. The daughter of Irish immigrants David and Nan Calderwood, Mrs. Kavalec was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1932. Married for 58 years to Donald Kavalec, a Spanish instructor, she joined him and their three children in living abroad during his several stints of teaching and studying in Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Spain, where she became fluent in Spanish. Back in California, her career path was wide, but she eventually found her calling as a social worker for San Diego County, helping children in need of adoption find loving families. In her spare time, she enjoyed hiking, golf, and of course the beach. A lifelong nature and wildlife fan, Maureen dedicated many years to rehabilitating wounded crows and ravens, dozens of which were released back into the wild thanks to her attentive care. She also volunteered time and money to Project Wildlife, the SCPA, and the Audubon Society.

During retirement, she spent several years with her husband exploring Montana before returning home to California after his passing in 2011. Her heartfelt kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A private family service will take place later this summer in Montana. She is survived by a daughter, Kathy and son-in-law, Mark; two sons, Chris and Jon and daughter-in-law Noriko; four grandchildren, Ben, Sam, Gwen, and Tom; and two beloved cats, Barnaby and Nitro. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Sacramento SCPA or the Vital Ground Foundation in Missoula, MT.