Bernice McCabe

1923 - 2025

Bernice McCabe
04/12/1923 - 04/21/2025
Bernice McCabe passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in her cherished Midtown Terrace home after recently celebrating her 102nd birthday in April. Bernice was a third-generation San Franciscan born on April 12, 1923, to James and Sadie (O'Neil) Christal. She is predeceased by her husband James Matthew McCabe, her parents, her brother Neil Christal (wife Bea) and three of his children. She lived her entire life in the City by the Bay. She attended a number of San Francisco school, including St. Paul's High School, which was her favorite. She met her husband of 61 memorable years, James Matthew McCabe, in their Mission neighborhood and they were married on September 12, 1942, at St. James Church. Together, they raised five children who were the center of their universe: Pat Fox (Bob), Bernie Schroder Mason (Bob), Matt, Jane Kolling (Mark), Lorie Thornton (Ron). She is also survived by her niece and nephew, Kathy Brown (Jim) and Michael Christal, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren: Rob Fox (Valle), Bridget Collins (Steve), Dan Schroder (Amy), Ryan Schroder, Matthew Schroder, K.C. Isom (A.J.), Erin Kalb (Stephen), Carolyn Selig (Michael), Kathleen Kolling, Jim Kolling, Sarah Thornton (Anne), Sean Thornton (Jennifer), and C.J. Thornton (Kayleigh).
Bernice was a devoted wife and mother. She was known by her children and their friends as a generous, loving and kind mother, whose kitchen was always open and who volunteered to chaperone, carpool, and lend a helping hand to clean at all the functions. She supported each of her children in all their adventures, from scouting to sports to school and church events. She was a member of the St. Brendan Church parish for more than 70 years and held numerous roles with the parish, including Women's Guild President and the Altar Society. She dedicated her time and energy to helping the community through many Catholic charities, including Little Children's Aid, Loyola Guild for Ignatians, and Good Shepherd. When her own children were grown, she took on the same role with her grandchildren and great grandchildren- supporting, encouraging, and participating in their graduations, sports, activities, and family vacations to Russian River, Yosemite, Colorado, and her family home in Ireland.
Bernice "Grandma Mc" was the family jewel. She will be missed by all. Private services were held at St. Brendan's Catholic Church on May 5, 2025.