Joan Marie McCabe (nee Thompson)

December 16, 1936 - August 9, 2019
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of beloved wife, mother, and grammy Joan McCabe.
Joanie was the firstborn child of John and Katy Thompson and grew up in Refuge Cove, Cortes Island, and Quadra Island, where she boarded with relatives to attend school in
Campbell River. In 1952 at 16, Joan married Rob Richards of Quadra Island and soon the young couple had four daughters-Cathie, Robin, Shelley and Kerri. In August 1963, Rob
passed away at the age of 32, leaving Joan with four children and one on the way: their fifth child, Roberta Kim, was born in December, 1963. But Joanie carried on; she often told the story of gathering up her five little girls (including newborn baby Kim) to look for a Christmas tree.
In the late 1960's Joanie met Brian McCabe, the true love of her life. Joan and Brian married in 1972 and had two more children-Shannon and John and Brian built a house in Heriot Bay big enough for their large family.
The McCabe's house in Heriot Bay was always filled to the brim with kids and grandkids and the smell of Joan's delicious baking. In 1989 the family moved to Campbell River, but Quadra was always home to Joan and Brian, and they returned to the island often to visit family and attend annual events like May Day and the trout derby.
Joan was always happiest at Brian's side, and in their later years they enjoyed travelling in their motor home and spending time with their kids and grandkids-of whom Joan was immensely proud. Joanie also loved a bargain, frequenting garage sales and the Campbell River hospital thrift store: their "10 books for a dollar" deal fed her voracious reading habit.
Joanie rarely left "the thrift" empty handed.
Joan is survived by husband Brian McCabe, daughters Cathie Stephens (Smokey), Robin Taylor (Dave), Shelley Flick (Darryl), Kerri Daguerre (Wayne), Kim Hildering (Peter), Shannon McKirgan (Dave), and "number one son" John McCabe (Lulu). Joan is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Additionally, Joan is survived by sisters Laurel Hamm and Linda Inrig, brothers Grant
Thompson and Pat Thompson, and many nieces and nephews. We will all miss her forever.
A Celebration of Life for Joan will be held on Sunday, August 25th at 1 pm at the Campbell River Eagles Hall, 1999 14th Ave.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.