Ellen Degez McCabe

Ellen Degez McCabe, resident of Santa Fe, NM and Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the age of 74 years in her beautiful home surrounded by family. She was born in 1942 to Elizabeth and Ambrose McCabe in Essex Fells, New Jersey. Ellie was a loving wife of 26 years to Richard Middleton, proud mother of five, sister to three wonderful siblings, devoted grandmother to seven amazing grandchildren, a sweet presence to 6 nieces and nephews, a fierce and loyal friend to so many who held her dear, and a committed philanthropist supporting the communities where she lived and loved and organizations working to raise up children and families around the world. She was an artist, chef, party planner, teacher, mentor, business woman, inveterate project creator with her husband, lover of interior design, landscape architect, patron of new artists and sculptors, and so much more. And, through all of these pursuits and passions, Ellie made everything and everyone around her stronger, more beautiful, and enveloped in her clear, hopeful, and inherently positive vision of the world. She radiated an infectious happiness that was a catalyst for good wherever she went. Ellie’s special magic was to believe deeply in the potential of those she loved, helping in every way to ensure each person saw it and lived it too. Everyone had special gifts in her eyes and she knew how to help bring those to life. All she touched were better for having known her. And, through those she touched, Ellie leaves a large, lovely, and lasting legacy. We are all her gifts to the world. We extend deep gratitude to Del Corazon Hospice for their kindness and guidance as Ellie and her family walked an unfamiliar path and offer so many thanks to Right at Home for their patient and gentle care. We are profoundly grateful to Father Jim Gordon of Holy Faith Church of Santa Fe for his deep connection with Ellie and his spiritual guidance to us all during her passing. And, Raquel Miramontes was Ellie’s personal angel here on earth, tendering love and care impossible to fully measure. We were blessed to have these extraordinary people journey with us. Life celebrations, but no formal memorial services, are being planned. Please send condolences to: Rick Middleton, 32 Camino de los Montoyas, Sante Fe, NM 87506 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ellie’s name to support one of the following organizations that were close to her heart: • Kitchen Angels, Santa Fe, NM • Girls on the Run, Lancaster, PA • Heifer International • Smile Train