Bobette Joy McCabe

Bobette Joy McCabe was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, on August 2, 1931, the daughter of Arthur and Emma (Foslien) Dittberner. She grew up in Leaf Valley, MN where her parents owned the Dittberner’s Leaf Valley Store. She was very musically talented and loved being the church organist at Ebenezer Lutheran Church.   It was during that time working at the store she met Christopher McCabe after he returned from overseas military service and the couple was united in marriage on September 22, 1949. Chris was called back during the Korean Conflict to serve that time stateside in Jacksonville, Florida where he and Bobette and son Pat made their first home. When they returned to Alexandria, Chris and his brother John owned and operated McCabe’s Camera Cards, and Gift store for approximately 50 years where Bobette spent many years helping in the store. Bobette spent many years working for the Alexandria School District, mainly in the Lincoln School nurses office where she was able to take care of children, her favorite thing to do. Bobette’s faith was strong and she trusted in Jesus as her Savior and friend. She was an active part of St. Mary’s Church and the Daughters of Isabella, the VFW Auxiliary and the Fireman Ladies Auxiliary.  Her family was her priority and Bobette’s home was always filled with food, fun and laughter.  She was an excellent cook and loved hosting huge family gatherings that included many friends that she made feel like family. Any chance to gather with relatives she was there, and usually the last to leave.  She belonged to a “birthday club” and gathered with the same friends for 40 years, they had so much fun together and supported each other through so many life milestones.  Her favorite color was purple, everyone knows that!   She was a big Minnesota Vikings fan and attended many games.  She loved to be outside and take care of her flower garden and she loved cuddling with her dogs.  Bobette was filled with joy and loved life, loved people and touched many hearts.

Bobette died on Monday, March 7, 2023, at Bethany on the Lake at the age of 91 years. She is survived by sons Patrick McCabe of Parkers Prairie, Mark (Becky) McCabe of Alexandria, Thomas McCabe of Alexandria, John McCabe (Jen Johnson) of Alexandria, and Paul (Cindy) McCabe of Edina, daughter Julie (Karl) Goehring of Moorhead, grandchildren Angela (Greg) Krogstad, Branden (Breanna) McCabe, Travis (Emily)McCabe, Nicholas McCabe, Josh McCabe, Kristen (Darren)Berg, Alissa McCabe, Nathan (Amy) McCabe, Kali (Justin) Mandile, Riley McCabe (Courtney Dallum), Gillian (Josh) Collins, Acacia McCabe, BriAnna McCabe, Olivia McCabe, Madeline McCabe, Isabel McCabe, Molly McCabe, Tarah Goehring (Jesse Boettner), Seth Goehring (Jessica Nelson), and Erin (Derek) Grund. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Tanner, Skyler, Brycen, Brayden, Brody, Ensley, Kolton, Audrey, Christian, August, Ransom, Briley, Weston, Iris, Ada, Lola, Burke, Conlan, Colette, Liam, and Scarlett. She is also survived by her dear Sister Cheryl Mrowicki, and Sister-in-law Carol Dittberner, and her best lifelong friend Evadne Wadsworth.

Bobette was preceded in death by her parents, husband Chris, son James, sister Ardelle and Lloyd Froemming, brother David Dittberner and daughter-in-law Mary Kay McCabe.

A special thank you to the staff at Pelican Lake, Bethany on the Lake and Hospice of Douglas County for the great care Bobette received and special bonds she had.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 4-6 PM with Parish Prayers to begin at 4 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 11 AM at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with a visitation one hour prior at the church.  

A Daughters of Isabella Rosary will be said prior to the Mass in the church on Monday.

Bobette's service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on her obituary page on the funeral home's website.

Entombment will be in St. Mary's Mausoleum.