Obituaries » Nancy Monk McCabe
Nancy Monk McCabe
Nancy, “Nan,” “Chickadee,” “Bridget,” “Mom,” “Amma,” Monk McCabe, 83, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died peacefully on October 2, 2021. Born February 21, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina, she is predeceased by her parents, Henry Lawrence and Antoinette Gassinger Monk of Durham, North Carolina, and her sister, Mary Lou Monk of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Francis McCabe, Jr. of Lynchburg, Virginia.
Nan grew up in Durham, North Carolina with her sister and friend, Mary Lou, graduated from Durham High School and attended St. Mary’s Junior College. Shortly after school, she met her husband for life, Jim McCabe, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Nan dedicated her life to her family, raising five children as the perpetual cheerleader, chauffeur, school volunteer, cook, and loving wife. Her home was always where neighborhood friends gathered, especially during the holidays. Nan was a loyal Carolina fan until she married her husband, Jim. She faithfully followed UVA basketball and football with Jim, preparing many tailgates over many years. Nan and Jim shared many happy times with close friends and relatives, celebrating milestones together.
Nan was first and foremost a mom. She loved being a mom to not only her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but to her children’s friends, as well. Nan never knew a stranger as people were always drawn to her and she thoughtfully listened and gave great counsel. Nan loved all animals especially dogs, bunnies, horses, cows, and birds. She often said she wanted to be the kind of person her pet thought she was. While Nan didn’t win any outstanding accolades professionally, the kindness and love she shared far outweighed any awards. Nan loved her faith, being a Catholic, and was devoted to the Blessed Mother. She went on many pilgrimages to grow closer to Jesus and to deepen her faith life.
We will always love and think of mom while sitting on the beach, listening to Handel’s Messiah or Kenny Chesney, eating leftover spaghetti, drinking milkshakes, hearing the jingle of a charm bracelet, eating celery with cream cheese, playing dots on the phone, the smell of Allure perfume, pocketing free restaurant mints, and drinking sweet iced tea with extra lemons.
Her family includes her five children, Jim (Gigi) McCabe, Kaky Bowden, Mike McCabe, all of Lynchburg, Virginia, Betsy (Bill) Tyson of Richmond, Virginia, and Chris (Courtney) McCabe of Ponte Vedra, Florida, as well as fourteen beloved grandchildren, Michelle (Justin), Marc, Bob, Nan, Mac, Elizabeth (Guy), Landrum, John, Michael, Brooks, CJ, Emma, Audrey, Aidan; and two great-grandchildren (Ethan, Colin).
A Mass of the Resurrection will take place Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504. In place of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
A Mass of the Resurrection will take place Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Condolences & Tributes
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Prayers for the family, so sorry for your loss.
Posted by Rachel Lawhorne on October 7, 2021
Betsy you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. What a great eulogy to your mom!
Posted by Tim & Torey on October 7, 2021
We are so sorry to have learned of Nan's passing. We had some great times together and our sympathy goes out to to you and all of the family.
Posted by Louise and Buck Bradley on October 6, 2021
Nan was a lovely person and we will miss her. Your tribute was lovely and truly captured Nan's essence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by Katie and John Paterson on October 6, 2021
With deepest sympathy. May memories comfort you and bring you peace. May God's love bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dion & Estrel
Posted by Dionisio M. Madayag on October 6, 2021
I met this beautiful family at Lynchburg General Hospital while in the waiting room. My youngest brother was in ICU and Nan was a patient there as well. Her lovely daughter Betsy and Betsy’s brother that lived in Florida would faithfully check on me each day I was there. Betsy even gave me her lovely neck scarf because I was so very cold. I didn’t get to meet their mother Nan but l know she was a lovely lady, her children would all come each morning as well as their dad to visit with their mom Nan. The tribute to Mrs. Nan is absolutely beautiful. May God comfort Nans husband and their beautiful children and other love ones and friends as you journey through this difficult time. Cherish the many wonderful memories of your mom. I know that nothing nor anything can fill the void you now have in your hearts but I hope that knowing people are praying for you all will somehow comfort you. Sincere Sympathy, Doris Anne Hickok
Posted by Doris Anne Hickok on October 5, 2021
I met this beautiful family at Lynchburg General Hospital while in the waiting room. My youngest brother was in ICU and Nan was a patient there as well. Her lovely daughter Betsy and Betsy’s brother that lived in Florida would faithfully check on me each day I was there. Betsy even gave me her lovely neck scarf because I was so very cold. I didn’t get to meet their mother Nan but l know she was a lovely lady, her children would all come each morning as well as their dad to visit with their mom Nan. The tribute to Mrs. Nan is absolutely beautiful. May God comfort Nans husband and their beautiful children and other love ones and friends as you journey through this difficult time. Cherish the many wonderful memories of your mom. I know that nothing nor anything can fill the void you now have in your hearts but I hope that knowing people are praying for you all will somehow comfort you. Sincere Sympathy, Doris Anne Hickok
Posted by Doris Anne Hickok on October 5, 2021
So sad to learn of Nan’s passing. Our hearts go out to Jim and all of the McCabe family. We spent many good times with Nan and Jim on company trips. She was a very special friend and will be in our prayers.
Posted by Ed & Suzanne Owens on October 5, 2021
Jimbo, I am so sorry to see you've lost your mother. Everything about her seemed wonderful. I hope your memories, pictures, and thoughts of her, will be of great help in the coming days. Always.
Posted by Lisa Poole on October 5, 2021
Dear Kaky, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mom, Nan. I so enjoyed our friendship, but because of Covid & Nursing Homes & health problems, we had not been in touch recently. I pray for you, your dad & all the family. I now live in Wake Forest. Hugs, Marge
Posted by Marge Macdonald on October 5, 2021
Dear Kaky, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mom, Nan. I so enjoyed our friendship, but because of Covid & Nursing Homes & health problems, we had not been in touch recently. I pray for you, your dad & all the family. I now live in Wake Forest. Hugs, Marge
Posted by Marge Macdonald on October 5, 2021
This tribute was so lovely. Sending love and comfort to Kaky and all of the family.
Posted by Kay Higgins on October 5, 2021
Dear Kaky, I am so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing. Although I did not know her her obituary reflects such a kind, gracious woman that you had the privilege of calling Mom. May she Rest In Peace eternal. Mary Vlandis and family
Posted by Mary Vlandis on October 5, 2021
Sorry to hear of Nan's passing. Praying for everyone in the family with your loss. Growing up she was like a second mother to me when I was young. Our families shared many fun times and Nan was always supportive and interested in all that we did. She was a great mother and role model. Hopefully, she and Neal and Missie are having a big-time back together with our Lord.
Posted by russell marks on October 5, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comfort and peace to surround you and your family.
Posted by Fran Harvey on October 5, 2021
My sincere condolences to My dear friend, Kaky, and her entire family on the loss of her, Mom, Mrs. McCabe. Like her daughter, Kaky, it is very apparent that Mrs. McCabe was a very special lady who made the lives of those around her better. May Mrs. McCabe Rest In Peace and May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her.
Posted by Sheila Wallis on October 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Nan's passing. She was always so supportive of me and my family, and I know she was loved by many. I am sending love and prayers for strength to all you.
Posted by Sara Beth Gay on October 4, 2021
we will always miss you and think of you when it comes to acts of kindness and goodness. I think whoever wrote “While Nan didn’t win any outstanding accolades professionally, the kindness and love she shared far outweighed any awards,” said it best and this is most important. I would also agree that you were like your mom to all your children’s friends. I count myself as one of those lucky ones. Rest in peace. Love, Charlie
Posted by Charles Blocker on October 4, 2021
Bless her heart! Monkey and I both sang second alto in Miss Dobbs’ s music class at Carr Jr. High School. We always stood next to each other and shared many whispered jokes. Our accapella octet sang at our junior high graduation . Nancy and I were always in the same home room and shared many happy times. Her big heart enfolded everyone. She was truly a “mother” to so many who needed that unconditional love. I shall miss her .
Posted by Mary Madddry Strauss on October 4, 2021
About 32 years ago, the year Bill & Betsy (McCabe) Tyson married, I met the most attractive, friendly, bubbly lady -- Nan McCabe! That fabulous smile and laugh! We enjoyed many fun times together! Nan was always interested in 'you', what's going on, talking about our lives -- and sharing her deep love of God. She leaves quite a legacy for all and I will miss her! " Blessings, Nan, as you have entered 'HIS' immediate presence!" Terry T
Posted by Terry Tyson on October 4, 2021
Rest In Peace Nan. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Posted by Todd Romanac on October 4, 2021
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