Doris Mae Cavalier, 91, of Sparta died peacefully at home on June 5, 2024 surrounded by family.
Doris was born on March 18, 1933 in Coulterville, Illinois to Roscoe and Edna (Thompson) McSmith. Doris married her childhood friend and high school sweetheart Richard Cavalier on January 26, 1952. The Sparta Township High School newspaper, The Bulldog Barker, made the following "Senior Prophecy" about the future of Richard and Doris in the October 29, 1951 edition predicting the couple would have five children that all looked like Doris. They had eight children that favored both parents. The couple were married for 72 years. Richard preceded Doris in death on January 19, 2024.
Doris worked several jobs in her teen years before dedicating herself to managing the Cavalier household raising eight children with Richard. She served as secretary and bookkeeper when Richard started his business, Cavalier Associates.
Doris was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta and had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. She was a member of the St. Ann's Altar Society, The Legion of Mary, and served several terms on the Parish Council.
Doris was a lifelong fan of Cardinal Baseball. She enjoyed socializing and often wore period costumes along with her husband to a variety of social and charitable events in the Sparta area. She also thoroughly enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather August Campanella; her brothers Jim, Dean and Raymond "Dick" McSmith; her daughter Jackie, and sons Frank and Greg. Doris is survived by her sister Pat (Frank) Cavalier; sons Richard (Theresa) of Swansea, Il; Thomas (Mary), of Glen Carbon, Il; Michael (Emilie) of Sparta; and Jeffrey of Sparta. She is also survived by daughter Gena (Todd) Hyatt of Spring Hill, KS. She is also survived by beloved Sisters-in-Law Judy McSmith of Steeleville, Illinois and Yoko, McSmith of Oklahoma City, OK. Richard and Doris have 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Doris is remembered for her love of God and family, her mild manner, her quiet strength, and her soft-spoken wisdom.
Doris has donated her body to the Washington University Medical School. Condolence calls to the family can be made at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Fellowship Hall on June 21st 2024 from 12:00 until 2 PM immediately followed by a Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, the

family requests at the behest of Doris that memorials be made to the St. Ann Altar Society in Sparta, and/or to the Sparta Senior Center.