Elizabeth J. Mccabe

***MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BETTY HAS BEEN MOVED TO THURSDAY, APRIL 18, AT 10:00 AM***

REVEREND ELIZABETH “BETTY” JEAN MCCABE was born on February 21, 1944 to Milton and Elizabeth (Gunde) McCabe in New York City, New York. She was one of three children, having two brothers, Frank and Eddie McCabe. She also had half siblings in Maine that she found later in life. Betty attended school in New York and graduated from Mother Cabrini High School in 1962. After graduation, she works with the Hearst Corporation, a job that she truly enjoyed. In 1979, Betty moved to New Jersey, where she was married for a short time before filing for divorce. In 1987 she experienced an awakening which put her on a path of healing both for herself and for others. Betty first visited Pipestone, Minnesota in 1990 with the organization Natives of the Earth (N.O.T.E.) for an environmental weekend that she had helped plan. Following the trip, Betty became a board member of N.O.T.E. and opened a holistic center in Cranbury, New Jersey (A Center for Understanding). Betty returned to New York on a spiritual journey, but soon decided that she would return to Minnesota. In 1994, Betty moved to Pipestone with her friends, Gloria, and her family, and Grace, a fellow N.O.T.E. member, and Grace’s daughter. Upon moving to the area, Betty lived in Woodstock with her friend Gloria until 1996, when Betty purchased her own home in Pipestone. She began working as the bookkeeper and a researcher at the Pipestone County Museum and acted as the secretary of the Pipestone Historic Preservation Committee. Betty also assisted Gloria and Chuck Derby in the running of the Little Feather Indian Center. Along with her work at the museum, Betty was also a practitioner of healing circles and of Reiki. Reiki is a healing technique that is based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into a patient through touch and activate the natural healing processes of the body for both physical and emotional ailments. While in Pipestone, Betty became a registered clergy member and was legally ordained to perform wedding ceremonies in the state of Minnesota. Betty became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone and resided there until the present time. After suffering a severe stroke; Betty was taken to the Pipestone County Medical Center on Monday, April 1, 2019. Betty was admitted to the hospital and remained there until her death on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the age of 75 years, one month, and 12 days.

Betty was a very loving individual that was always willing to lend an ear, a hand, or an idea whenever it was needed. In the beginning of her life she had it hard and because of this, lacked confidence. However after living in Pipestone among people who loved her for so many years she blossomed into a strong, confident woman. She was a quiet, yet strong spirit and she loved to help people. She enjoyed her oatmeal and visiting with all of her friends who have designated themselves as “Lizzy’s girls.”

She will be remembered by her brother, Frank (Michelle) of Florida; her sister-in-law, Maureen McCabe of Florida; her half-siblings in Maine; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved friends from Pipestone, New Jersey, England, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, and the Netherlands. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother, Eddie.



Elizabeth’s Creed:

Just for today I will:

“Let go of Anger
Let go of Worry
Count my Many Blessings
Do my work Honestly
Be Kind to every Living Creature”


From the Facebook announcement of her passing, these are a few of the comments that were left:

Maureen McCabe (FL) Thank you so much for posting this to her friends. Elizabeth was my sister in law. I was her brother Eddie’s wife. We both had birthdays in February and I sent her a gift. I tried to speak with her but as you know her speech was not very clear. She was a wonderful person and now she can join Eddie.

Jan Harper-whale (UK) RIP Elizabeth....you beautiful gentle soul...spirit surrounded us that day at the Three Maidens. Wonderful memory. So sad.....xxxxx

Sandra Butz Woolcott (IL) We are so very sorry to hear that Elizabeth has passed. What a dear person she was. When we were in Pipestone with our youngest granddaughter, Chuck had passed only eight days before, and we were there to meet Gloria and family, as they were going to look at our Native American stone artifacts. While at the museum and store, we met Elizabeth and on her time off, she helped us find some history on Ancestry. She didn't have to do that, but obviously, loved what she did and helping others. Later that same day, as a thank you, we took Gloria, Elizabeth and some others out for dinner. It was such a special day, spent with such special and giving people. Bless you and keep you, dear Elizabeth. Rest in Peace!

Jenny Hazell (UK) Elizabeth and I had a special bond and considered each other sisters because we shared the same birthday, along with much else in common. The world was better off for having someone as joyful and caring as Lizzy in it. I loved her with all my heart and will continue to be inspired by her love of life. Despite all the hardships she endured, she never lost her smile - both inside and out. She always put others first, including myself on many occasions, coming to my rescue when I needed her the most. I’ll never forget you - or our birthday! :)

Tania TJ Jenkins (Kenya) Oh no ... Goodbye, for now, Elizabeth. Fly free. xxx

Christine Schut (Alaska) Elizabeth was one of the most genuine, kind people I have ever known. I had forgotten how young I was when i first met you both; not even 30 yet. I had so much growing up still to do and I am so glad for the kindness she showed me while I struggled to do that. I am blessed to have known her.

Jame Lee Tolson (AR) Thanksgiving at her home was one of the few I will never forget.

Sarina Ann (NJ) I came across a picture of you with my soul mate, George this week. He passed on March 15th this year. It was taken in the Fall of 1992, when you visited Sedona, AZ. We were at the Grand Canyon. I have many fond memories of you. You were an important part of my life. I will miss you dearly. RIP

Mary Rauk Ott (Pipestone) Very sorry to hear this, such a sweet person and I enjoyed my contacts with her at the Museum.

Jenn Zumba Hudson (WV) We said prayers for her today in the prisons, I didn't realize she had passed. We'll keep praying and singing for her journey.

Mariska Wobbe (Netherlands) Sending prayers for safe passing dearest Elizabeth. I was fortunate to have met you and keep memories close.