Eileen T. McCabe

Eileen Theresa McCabe April 23, 1938 - September 6, 2022 Eileen T. McCabe passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 84, surrounded by friends and family. She was the youngest of 4 children, born in Woodside, Queens to the parents of immigrants from County Antrim, Ireland. She attended St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan. As a teen, she was stricken with Polio, and made a promise to God that if she could walk again, she would devote her life to the Catholic Church. She then went on to serve as a nun with the Sisters of St. Joseph for 12 years, where she was known as Sister Anselm and worked as a classroom teacher in NYC. She resigned her vows in 1970 and married the love of her life, Thomas A. McCabe, by candlelight in their Brooklyn apartment. She and Tom then moved to Rockland County in 1973 where together they would raise a family and a small farm, consisting of goats, ducks, and an occasional sheep or rabbit. In 1984 Eileen received her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Fordham University. For the next 30 years she would serve as Principal in Catholic schools in NY and NJ. Eileen lived a life of providing for others, both embracing and acting upon the Christian principle of loving your neighbor as oneself, giving freely of her time, talents, and treasure. She advocated for the poor and marginalized, providing temporary shelter in her own home to members of the community in need, preparing and serving food at local churches and pantries, and protesting bravely against social injustice. She did these things with a wonderful humility, seeking no favor or acknowledgement in return. She will be missed dearly by her 4 children, Daniella (James), Rosemary (Finn), Martin (Jennifer) and Terry (Steven) and 10 grandchildren, James Barbaccia, Nora, Claire, Annelise and Padraic Jensen, Lily, Ben and Molly McCabe, and Will and Kyla Zamprelli, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Tom, sisters Kathleen Dowd and Mary Smaha and brother James Dowd, parents Rose Toal Dowd and Henry Dowd. A friend to many, Eileen's kindness to others was a wellspring that ran deep and true. As with the beautiful flowers in her extensive gardens, she tended earnestly, affectionately to her family and circle of friends. She was always quick with an encouraging word, happy to share heartfelt advice, provide. Eileen's gifts were many, and her life was a life well-lived life. Well done, Eileen. We will miss your wisdom, sage counsel, and good humor; you’ll forever reside in our hearts and memories. Rest In Peace. Family will receive friends and relatives on Monday September 12, from 3-8 pm at TJ McGowan Funeral home in Garnerville. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday September 13 at 11am in St. Peters Church in Haverstraw. In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your favorite charity. Please click the link below to watch Eileen's funeral mass live-streamed at St. Peter's Church. https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCiX4-iTxcEpv70rRXbBs9pQ