Florence Aida McCabe, 84
May 4, 1940-Feb. 8, 2025
St. Joseph
Florence Aida McCabe, loving mother, grandmother extraordinaire, math and science teacher, community leader, lover of nature and beauty died peacefully in her home on Feb. 8, surrounded by her family. Her immense love for her family and teachings about compassion, commitment, curiosity and gentle strength live on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.
Her funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12 at Silverwood Park Great Hall, 2500 CR E., St. Anthony, Minn. A brief program will begin at noon, followed by lunch and plenty of time for socializing and viewing photos.
McCabe was born on May 4, 1940 in Manhattan, N.Y., the fourth of six children of Jacob and Margaret Jane (Devine) Hershberger. She was an energetic child who enjoyed playing sports with her siblings, and was voted “best athlete” by her peers in high school. She graduated from the State University of New York in 1962. She married Lawrence (Larry) Francis McCabe on Aug. 22, 1967 in Levittown, N.Y., living for a time in Brainerd, Minn. and Moscow, Idaho and then settling in Roseau, Minn. where they raised four children.
Throughout her life, McCabe managed to balance work, community service and dedication to her family. In 1978, she became certified as an EMT and served the community in this role for many years. She also began working as a teacher, initially as a substitute and then full-time teaching science and math. She also helped with larger community projects such as acting as a reviewer for the development of the Minnesota Mathematics K-12 Framework.
McCabe also was an active and creative leader for student activities including Girl Scouts, Knowledge Bowl and the high school newspaper. As a troop leader she organized numerous camping trips and exposed young students to cultural events such as a trip to the ballet in Winnipeg. She likely connected so well with students because she never lost her child-like wonder about the world. She taught her children to explore as well, helping to organize camping trips throughout their lives and sharing her joy of being in nature.
McCabe was always willing to help those around her and take actions to improve any community she was living in. While in Roseau, she became a member of the city council to help preserve and maintain the city park. While in Spooner, she and Larry worked with the Potato Lake Association to improve the health of the lake.
While managing these many commitments, McCabe maintained a loving focus on her family throughout their lives. She enriched their lives with her creative endeavors continuing after retirement, including beautiful quilts gifted to her children and grandchildren. After retirement, she and Lawrence moved to a home on Potato Lake in Spooner, Wis. A devoted mother and grandmother, McCabe created a haven for her children and grandchildren to relax and slowdown from busy lives. She also delighted in helping to provide care for her grandchildren and formed intense bonds with each of them.
McCabe’s commitment to her marriage and family never wavered. When Larry developed medical challenges during the last years of his life, she once again taught her children and grandchildren valuable lessons about the meaning of dedication and love in action. While living at Woodcrest in St. Joseph, she enjoyed fellowship in activities such as book club, and appreciated her friendships within this community.
Survivors include her children: Mary (Alex) Boyer, Larry McCabe, Theresa (John) Lau and Suzanne (Garrett) Copeland; grandchildren: Elizabeth Boyer, Jessica Copeland, Sebastian Lau, and Charlotte Lau; great-grandchild Lillianna Brettin; siblings: Lee Jenkins, David (Lee) Hershberger, Dennis (Louise) Hershberger and Douglas (Kathy) Hershberger; and numerous nephews and nieces.
McCabe was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister Mary Seiderer.
