Brenda H. McCabe

Brenda H. McCabe, 76, of rural Bonfield, passed away Friday, (February 16, 2024) in the emergency room of Riverside Hospital, Kankakee. Brenda was born March 27, 1947, in Pontiac, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbert and Idella (Heeren) Henkel. She married Don McCabe on October 25, 1969, at First Lutheran Church, Pontiac. Brenda met Don when they were freshmen at Pontiac Twp. High School and married 8 years later after completing college. They shared more than 54 years of a great marriage together. Brenda graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin majoring in elementary education. She taught for a number of years in kindergarten through second grade classes in Tinley Park and Peotone school districts. Later she substitute taught, worked in school offices, and volunteered at Bonfield and Herscher schools. For many years she served in leadership positions with the Herscher School Music Boosters and was enthusiastic in fundraising for uniforms, equipment, special music events, and purchasing that organization’s first equipment trailer. Although she grew up as a Lutheran, Brenda was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bradley for over 50 years. She served her church in many roles including communion steward, Sunday School teacher, missions’ shopper, children and youth activities coordinator, the annual Missions’ Rummage Sale, Board of Trustees, and chair of many committees including the Administrative Council. She loved her family and received most satisfaction from doing for them and for others. She was an accomplished calligrapher, cook, and enjoyed decorating her home for the seasons. She will be missed by her family and close friends. Surviving are her husband Don, and daughters Amanda (Steve) Gee of Braidwood, and Amy McCabe of Washington D.C., and two grandsons Marshall Gee and Emmett Gee. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel, 1480 W. Court St. An additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the 11 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 N. Cleveland Avenue, Bradley. A luncheon at the church will follow the service before a family graveside service and burial at 2:30 p.m. at South Side Cemetery, Pontiac, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 N. Cleveland Avenue, Bradley, Illinois. Please sign her guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.

Brenda H. McCabe

March 27, 1947 - February 16, 2024