Kathleen "Kathy" McCabe Petersen

A Celebration of Life for Kathleen “Kathy” McCabe Petersen will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Kathleen “Kathy” McCabe Petersen, 76 years old, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born January 14, 1950 in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York to Raymond and Lois (Campbell) McCabe. Kathy grew up in New York. As a young adult she moved with her parents to Beloit, Wisconsin, where she met her husband, James David Petersen. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, focusing on Special Education. She worked as a teacher in the South Beloit, Rockton, and Lufkin school districts teaching many subjects including Science, Math, and English, though her passion was Special Education and helping struggling learners.

Kathy loved spending time with her grandchildren and being the “Life Planner” for those she loved. She practiced Tai Chi, stayed physically active, and delighted in hosting and entertaining friends. A true nature enthusiast, she visited numerous national parks, enjoyed hiking, and found peace in gardening. She was also deeply engaged in her community, actively participating in local politics through “No Kings” protests, postcard campaigns, and election advocacy. Kathy was especially passionate about advancing women’s rights and worked to support those causes.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassandra (Sean) Clark, Gabrielle (Charanjeet) Mamik, and Correen (Christopher) Marsh; grandchildren, James Aiden, Madilyn, Kaavya, Karleen, and Pascalle; and siblings, Barbara, John, and Raymond.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lois McCabe and her husband, James David Petersen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing; P.O. Box 17394, Baltimore, Maryland 21298-9450 or online at nationalparks.org.

Thank you, Kathy, for the love, laughter, and lessons - you will never be forgotten.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.