Nancy Lee Sabbe

Mar. 26, 1943 - Jan. 17, 2014

MISHAWAKA - Nancy Lee Sabbe, 70, passed away at home early on Friday, January 17. Nancy was born on March 26, 1943, in South Bend, as the daughter of Albertus and Betty (Murphy) Rankin, both now deceased.

Also preceding her in death were two siblings, Michael Rankin and Suzanne Rankin. On November 30, 1963, as the former Nancy Lee Rankin, she married Joseph Sabbe, and just celebrated their 50th anniversary. Surviving are her loving husband, Joseph; two sons, Mark, living in Chicago, and Eric, living in Portland, wife, Alison Money; and three granddaughters, Claire, Georgia and Lila. Also surviving are three sisters, Joan Lytle, husband, Robert, Sherry Finn and Patricia Herban; her mother-in-law, Martha Sabbe; two brothers-in-law, Donald Sabbe, wife, Joan, and Michael Sabbe, wife, Pat; one sister-in-law, Marie Smith, husband, Robert; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Nancy graduated from South Bend Adams High School. She worked as a directory assistance operator for Indiana Bell for 29 years. After she retired, she eventually got bored and went back to work at Robert Baird for 5 years. She was a member of Saint Bavo's Church. Nancy loved to travel, read, and spend time with her granddaughters. Our family would like to thank the hardworking, loving staff of Michiana Hematology Oncology, the Center for Hospice Care, and all her friends and family for their help, love and support during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Saint Bavo's Church and/ or to the Center for Hospice Care. Visitation will be today, January 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2014