Rebecca “Becky” McCabe

Rebecca “Becky” McCabe, age 78, of Cresco, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, Minn.

Rebecca Lynnette Petefish was born on July 3, 1946 to George and Rebecca (Bolton) Petefish in Buda, Ill. Becky graduated from high school in Buda in 1964.  She later continued her education at Bemidji State College, Mankato State, and then University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Home Economics.  On Aug. 22, 1970, Becky married Gregory McCabe.  To this union, two children were born, Theresa and Jonathan.

Becky always said that her greatest achievements were raising two children that have grown into responsible adults who are raising normal children while paying it forward and giving back to their communities. As well as being married for almost 54 years.

Becky enjoyed sewing, often making her own clothes as well as anyone else’s who would stand still long enough to be measured. Growing flowers and designing the next flower bed project around the house. She thoroughly enjoyed anything that had to do with her grandkids.

In 1997, Becky became a member of NSDAR Hannah Lee Chapter through Patriot John Zink.  Becky was Regent from 2005-2006, 2010-2012, 2014-2016, and then 2016-2018.  She headed the Chapter’s constitution week committee and contacted schools every year.  She ordered supplies and headed stuffing the bags for each school in NE Iowa.  Past Regent Rebecca McCabe did an outstanding job designing the chapter website and was the 2014-2016 Iowa State Chair for the National Committee for American Heritage and served as NE IA District Director from 2015-2018.

Becky is survived by her husband Gregory of Cresco, IA; children Theresa (John) Woollard of Elgin, MN, Jonathan (Sonia) McCabe, of Cresco, IA; grandchildren Aidan Woollard, Althea Woollard, Quinlan McCabe, and Briella McCabe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rebecca Petefish.

Funeral Mass for Becky will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, with Father Knipper officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, July 23, at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco, and will continue one hour prior to the start of the service Wednesday at the church. Burial will be held at a later date.