Peggy Rose (Rosie) McCabe, 62, of Coupeville, passed away May 24, 2011, at Duke Medical Center in Raleigh Durham, N.C., surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with a sudden illness. She was a beloved sister, aunt, stepmother, grandmother and friend.

Peggy Rose was born in Tonasket, Wash., on Aug. 15, 1948. She moved to Orcas Island in 1959 where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1966.

She graduated as a registered nurse from Massachusetts General Hospital in 1969 and began her nursing career. As a young woman, she traveled abroad extensively. She moved to Seattle in 1979 and settled in Coupeville, on Whidbey Island, in 1980, where she practiced nursing until 1990. She then moved to Key West, Fla., where she lived on a 28-foot, 1981 Hershoff sailboat with her partner Peter Bamberger. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1991 and had many exciting adventures together. Peggy moved to North Carolina in 2004, continuing her nursing career.

She loved drawing and painting seascapes, landscapes, fauna and people. She also enjoyed nature and metaphysical teachings. She was a believer in God and was also interested in Buddhism and taught others to “Practice Kindness.”

Peggy had a very special and loving nature and she was kind to all people and creatures. She had a sweet way of making everyone feel cared for as she traveled to take care of ill loved ones whenever there was a need. Her spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Survivors include a brother, a sister, nieces and nephews, stepchildren, grandchildren and many friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Fay McCabe of Eastsound, Orcas Island, and her sister, Janette Joy McCabe Rogers of Spokane.

An informal gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, at Ebey’s Landing at 6:30 p.m. on the beach, to the left of the parking lot. All who loved her are welcome.