Mollie Irene Cavanna

Mollie Cavanna was a businesswoman, philanthropist, and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.  Mollie came to Modesto in 1956, starting a position with California Frozen Foods as a cost accountant.  Through mutual friends, she met Norman on a blind date, and they were married one year later at First United Methodist Church on July 19th, 1958. Norman Cavanna was a jeweler and watchmaker, sharing the dream with his new wife to one-day open their own business.   After completing his service in the National Guard, Norman and Mollie soon celebrated the birth of their only daughter, Julie.

In 1963, Mollie and Norman realized their dream and opened Cavanna’s Jewelry which has been a landmark store in Modesto for over 50 years.  Mollie became head of sales and Norman lead jewelry design and watch repair.  Mollie often described her perfect day as when she and Norman were at the store, he at his bench and her at her desk greeting friends and customers.  Mollie and Norman were inseparable for over 61 years, working together and living one of the great love stories known only to a few. Ultimately, Mollie’s greatest delight was to ensure Norman received one of the first DeLorean’s which they enjoyed on many road trips and visits to their loved ones.

During their lifetime together, Mollie and Norman traveled the world seeing Europe, Asia, and much of the U.S. In addition, Mollie was an active Lions Club member achieving the post of Cabinet Secretary for Northern California – a position only two other women nationwide had attained at that time.  Fundraising events benefiting the Lions Eye Foundation and Camp Pacifica were led by Mollie for many years. These events greatly contributed to the purchase of two mobile eye testing facilities and countless camping adventures for children in need. Mollie was also a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, providing her time and talents to the building of a meeting center and social hall.

Mollie and Norman raised one daughter, Julie, whom they ensured was given the opportunities to attend UC Berkeley, where she met her husband of 35 years, Michael Jerbic, and USC graduate school. When presented with her only granddaughter, Ashley, Mollie exclaimed that she was a born grandmother. She had found her true purpose. Mollie or Sweetheart or Mom or Grandma will always be remembered for her many unknown and unrecognized acts of generosity, putting her family’s needs first. We love you, Mom, and we always will.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.