Waneta May Cabe

Waneta “Neta” May Cabe, a beloved longtime resident of the Vancouver area, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, at Ray Hickey Hospice House, surrounded by the love and care of those who meant so much to her. Neta was born in 1943 in Salem, Oregon, to Treva and Tiny Cable. She grew up in Salem and developed a strong work ethic and independent spirit from an early age. As a young woman, she traveled to Alaska with her father to fish, picked crops throughout the Salem area, and worked at the Oregon State Fair to help save money for nursing school. In 1964, Neta earned her certificate in Nursing Education from Emanuel Hospital. She met James “Jim” Cabe Jr. on a blind date arranged through a mutual friend. The two married on September 26, 1964, beginning a marriage that would span more than six decades and include raising two daughters, Shari and Lisa. Neta dedicated more than 40 years of her life to nursing, working as an operating room nurse and ultimately completing her career at what is now known as PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center. Nursing was more than a profession to Neta—it was a calling. She had a genuine gift for caring for others and could never resist helping someone in need. She became affectionately known throughout her neighborhood as the “Boo-Boo Lady,” always ready with a helping hand, a caring heart, and whatever was needed to make someone feel better. Retirement did not slow Neta down or take her away from the work she loved. Unable to stop caring for others, she helped establish a parish nursing program at her church, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving and supporting those around her. Outside of nursing, Neta found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time outdoors, gardening, canning, sewing, baking, traveling, and, most of all, visiting with friends and family. She often joked that she was busier in retirement than she had ever been while working and raising her children—a testament to her energy, generosity, and zest for life. Neta’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughters, Shari and Lisa; her sons-in-law, Gordon and Eric; her grandsons, Nick and Gunner; and her great-grandson, Roman. Each of them brought her immense love and happiness throughout the years, and her family was one of the greatest treasures of her life. Neta will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her unwavering dedication to others, her strong spirit, and the countless ways she made a difference in the lives of those around her. Her legacy of caring, service, and love will live on through her family, friends, and the many people fortunate enough to have known her. Memorial gifts may be made to the PeaceHealth Ray Hickey Hospice House IMO Waneta Cabe on the memo line. PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation Gift processing lockbox #1094 PO Box 35146 Seattle, WA 98124-5146

Waneta May Cabe

May 6, 1943 - August 3, 2026