Laura Jane McCabe

Laura Jane McCabe (née Gass), 75, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, in Aspen, CO. Born on November 23, 1948, in San Antonio, TX to Lloyd and Margie Gass, she attended Concordia Lutheran School and then graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in 1966. Post-graduation she attended beauty school, became an Air Force bride (to Ron Cordes) and mother of two. When her children were older, she completed additional education in Real Estate and Ophthalmic and a phenomenal hostess Technology. She was very creative, resourceful, organized, fun-loving.

Laura was a 21-year member of the Aspen Elks Lodge #224 during which she served on, and later directed, the Membership Committee. As one of the lodge photographers, Laura took thousands of photos recording the events for the Lodge Bulletin and preserving the history of Lodge. She headed up the 4th of July Float Committee when it won first prize at the 4th of July Parade. and was a member of the "Bowling Princesses", (Arlene Nelson, Cheryl Ann Laurie, Niki Poole and Amanda Head ). Known for their distinctive pink and black embroidered bowling shirts, unusual technique, and nonstop laughter.

With a deep love of nature, animals and creative arts, Laura was a natural Girl Scout Leader. Her hobbies included dancing, especially West Coast Swing, photography, cooking, costumes, pageantry, astrology, and breeding cocker spaniels and show rabbits. She was also fond of water skiing, hiking, camping and anything near the water. She was raised in the Lutheran faith but chose to connect with her spirituality in nature, finding reverence and gratitude under a tree next to a river.

Laura's unwavering work ethic, dedication and willingness to embrace new challenges and pursuits resulted in a rich, eclectic career tapestry of roles and accomplishments. Her early work included filling cones at Dairy Queen and making donuts at 5am in a Key West donut shop. Her career trajectory then took her to the accounting departments at Bexar County Hospital & Western Beverages, real estate sales at Wakefield Hendricks and photography studio owner at Timeless Impressions. Laura's varied work life sometimes included second jobs to support her family. She worked as a cocktail waitress at New West Saloon. a dude ranch worker, a caretaker in a home for adults with disabilities, a window washer, an ophthalmic technician at Dallas County's Parkland Hospital, and a shoe salesperson in Aspen.

For many years prior to retirement, Laura was the point of contact for members of the public when entering or calling City Hall, as the receptionist at the City Clerk's Office. Her soft Texas accent and kind demeanor calmed many an anxious citizen needing City of Aspen help or services.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 21 years, Tom McCabe; her daughters, Tammy Cordes Bennett and Kristy Pratt; her step-daughter, Merrin McCabe; her sons-in-law, Scott Bennett and Les Pratt; her grandchildren, Haley Pratt, Hannah Pratt, and Luke Pratt; and her beloved dogs Izzy and Panda. Laura was preceded in passing by her parents, Lloyd K. Gass and Marjorie E. May; step-mother Mildred Gass, step-father Gene May; step-siblings Chuck May, Frances Keller (May), Sherry Aaron (May), Eugene May, Neva Reimers (May), Tracy May and Stacy May and ex-husband, Randy G. Hahn.

Memorial services for Laura will be held in both San Antonio, TX, and Aspen, CO.

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Aspen, CO Celebration of Life:

Saturday, September 14, 2024 beginning 4:00 pm MST
Aspen Elks Lodge No. 224
510 East Hyman Ave #300
Aspen, CO 81611

Please come share memories and a meal with family and friends. Cash bar. Casual attire.

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San Antonio, TX Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm CST
Cordillerra Ranch River Park
Boerne (Bergheim), TX

We will gather on the banks of Guadalupe River at sunset to share memories and a toast to Laura. Wear your tennis shoes and a jacket as we will be outdoors. This is a private location with security. If it's a possibility for you or anyone you know to attend, please email family at InMemoryOfLauraJane@gmail.com to be added to security list and receive directions.

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Laura's unwavering spirit, generosity of heart, and joy for life's many adventures will be deeply missed and enduringly remembered by all who were privileged to know her.