Genevieve McCabe of Mt. Pleasant died on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the age of 100 years and seven months. Surrounded by her family, she died a peaceful and gentle death, just as she lived her life.
Born Genevieve Marie Steffl on October 25, 1921, to Anna (nee Schwarz) and Edward Peter Steffl, she lived on a farm in the small community of Clements, MN. Her mother passed away when Genevieve was seven, an older sister Bernita was nine, and a younger sister Donna was one. The girls’ father remarried to Emma Kingsley when Genevieve was nine, and the couple had a son, Joseph. Genevieve graduated from Wells High School in 1939 and then attended normal school for her teacher training. She graduated normal school in 1940 and taught country school for the next few years, using her wages to help support her older sister Bernita’s nursing schooling training. On July 1, 1943, Genevieve joined the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, completing her studies at the Kahler School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, in 1946. She worked at Hines Veterans’ Hospital in Chicago, IL, caring for paraplegics and in pediatrics at Mercy Hospital in Davenport.
While working at Rochester, Genevieve met her future husband, James. T. McCabe. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1948, at St Paul the Apostle Church in Davenport, IA. Shortly after, they moved to Le Claire, IA, living for a short time in a cabin along the river, where they spent their free time fishing. In 1949, they moved to an apartment overlooking the square in Mt. Pleasant and next to their first home at 503 Madison Street. As their family grew, they moved to 400 N. Main Street, where they lived for nearly 40 years and shared many wonderful family memories.
While raising the seven McCabe children was her primary focus, Genevieve also was involved in many activities and community organizations, including St. Alphonsus Church and its Altar and Rosary Society, the American Lung Society, the American Cancer Society, 4H, and Girl Scouts. She was an avid reader, who worked at the Mt. Pleasant Library for years. She also enjoyed traveling and playing games, regularly playing bridge with her group of lady friends and cards and board games with her children and grandchildren. Genevieve was the consummate Cubs baseball fan up until the time of her death, perking up during her last few days to say, “Oh good,” when told that the Cubs had won that day or commenting that the pitcher could have done better when the Cubs lost. For her 100th birthday, the family gave Genevieve her own “official Cubs jersey” with her name on the back and the number 100. She was thrilled.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, her husband Jim, and daughter-in[1]law Pam (Mahaffey) McCabe. She is survived by her seven children — Jim (Debbie), Pat (Brenda), Dan (Brenda), Jean (Kevin Wilson) Tom, Mary Sutherby (Kevin), and Joanne McCranie (Peter), as well as twelve grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and an 8th on the way.
The funeral mass for Mrs. McCabe will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 2 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mount Pleasant. Father Paul Connolly and Father Steve Witt will concelebrate the mass. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 PM on Wednesday, June 1 at St. Alphonsus Church. The Rosary will be recited at 5 PM. A Scriptural Wake Service will follow the Rosary. The family will be present to greet friends following the Wake Service until 8 PM. Her casket will remain closed per her request.
In lieu of flowers, those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Mt. Pleasant Public Library or the Oakland Mills Nature Center. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Genevieve and her family. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com
