Mary Jay McCabe Dies April 23

Mary Jay McCabe (nee Downs) of Westborough, Massachusetts; Jupiter, Florida; and Southampton died April 23, 2022, at The Willows in Westborough. She was 87.

McCabe was the daughter of Robert and Maude (Burnett) Downs of Southampton. Her family origins go back to the original settlers of the Village of Southampton and her childhood home on Wickapogue Road was deemed the oldest farmhouse in New York. It also was one of the first to have electricity in the village. During her early years, she was an energetic member of the Girl Scouts and achieved the Curved Bar award, one of the highest honors given. After graduating from Southampton High School, she attended Becker Junior College in Massachusetts. While at college, she met her future husband, Bob McCabe. Upon her graduation they were wed in Southampton and began their married life in Worcester, Massachusetts. Within a year, they moved to Southampton, where they built their home, near her parents and brothers. With her husband, then a Suffolk County sheriff and volunteer fireman, they raised their two children. Together they spent many happy years traveling across the United States.

Always energetic, McCabe continued in her service to the Girl Scouts and other local organizations. She also volunteered at Southampton Hospital. Following the death of her husband, McCabe became a snow bird, residing most of the year in Jupiter. She was an excellent tennis player, enjoying the competitive nature of the game. Her other interests included playing bridge and mahjong. She also continued her love of travel. Her many trips took her to Hawaii, Australia, France, and Germany.

She is survived by her daughter, Lou Ann McCabe. A son, Stephen McCabe, preceded her in death.

Services are being held privately and are under the direction of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, Massachusetts.