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Marla McCabe

1930 - 2026

Marla McCabe obituary, 1930-2026, Lincoln, NE

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BORN

1930

DIED

2026

About

University of Nebraska Teachers & Educators Artists & Musicians

Marla McCabe Obituary

Marla Mabelle Marx McCabe was the beloved only child of Edward Marx and Ruth Heffley, born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1930 where she would spend her entire life collecting people and stories until her peaceful passing on October 31, 2026.

A child of the Depression, Marla lived in the relative comfort of the South 33rd street home where her father had a side office practicing dentistry on what was then the edge of town. Although safe and doted on, Marla would soon discover she had a streak of intelligence and rebellion that she would use to challenge convention for the rest of her life.

It was a short journey to Lincoln High and another mile to the University of Nebraska, where she showed an interest in science but would major in Elementary Education. Alphabetical order sat Marla Marx next to Jim McCabe at a UNL freshman Biology 101 course, and they would go on to be married for 68 years until Jim's passing in 2020.

It may have been convention that nudged Marla into the more traditional career of teaching, but she immediately found ways to do things differently as a young kindergarten teacher at Park School, initiating the mainstreaming of physically disabled and non-English speaking students before mainstreaming was even a word, and managing morning and afternoon classes of 50 students each through the use of creative play. Those innovative approaches were enough to earn young Marla an interview segment on local television.

By now Marla was hooked on the power of creativity, which she would enlist as a mother, lecturer, author, and artist. On family outings, any found twig, seed pod, stone, or thrift store artifact might inspire a piece of naturalist folk art by Marla. Her annual Art Sales in the family garage became huge successes.

It was the success of those art sales that convinced Jim to open a small business under the Douglas 3 Theater, where Marla could sell her artwork full time, supplemented by the line of German comfort sandals he'd just discovered in California. From that day in 1975, Marla McCabe became known to thousands of Lincolnites as The Birkenstock Lady. Her passion for the product predated the brand's iconic status, as Footloose & Fancy on P Street quickly became the largest Birkenstock store in America. Given expensive and admittedly homely open-toed footwear to sell year-round in Lincoln, Nebraska, Marla's salesmanship can only be viewed as uncanny.

For the record, Marla was also a highly accomplished trumpeter, known to accompany herself with one hand on a piano. She played in UNL bands and orchestra as well as municipal bands in Lincoln. She was an exuberant slalom water skier until hanging up the ski on her 80th birthday. She and Jim loved hosting visiting artists, musicians, authors, free-thinkers, and new age practitioners. If you were in their sphere, you met fascinating people and learned things that weren't taught elsewhere.

Marla is survived by sons Jeff and Casey, daughter in-law Mary Widdifield, and grandchildren Woodlief and Henry, who all plan on telling Marla stories for the rest of their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations on Marla's behalf to the Capital Humane Society.

Celebration of life to be held in the summer of 2027.

Condolences may be left at www.aspenaftercare.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Nov. 8 to Nov. 12, 2026.

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8 Entries

Nancy Bradley

November 11, 2026

When my son started wearing Birks in college in the 70´s I made the trip to see Marla at Footloose! Since I was a fashion buyer at Miller and Paine I was on my feet a lot walking the streets of New York day after day. Show room people would always ask about my shoes. My husband thought they were the ugliest till I got him a pair. Soon to celebrate a 90 birthday I am still wearing my Birks every season! Marla was an incredible lady to meet!

Jeanne Beaudette

November 10, 2026

Marla was truly an extraordinary lady. I had the privilege of knowing her and Jim at the Grand Lodge at the Preserve. She had great life stories, was so proud of her sons, and had energy and gusto we all could envy! Jeff and Casey, you have my condolences! She's already making music in heaven!

Erin Nielsen

November 9, 2026

I loved working for and with Marla during my college years. Such an interesting and kind lady! What an amazing long life!

Bobby Mersed

November 9, 2026

"Another Lincoln High Job Well Done."

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Jane Harris Cosier

November 8, 2026

I had Mrs. McCabe as a kindergarten teacher at Park School in about 1953. She was always my favorite teacher !!

Is-e Hogan

November 8, 2026

What a life and beautiful woman......... now I know why her son Casey is so special and talented in his own right. May she rest in peace.

Olga Peterson

November 8, 2026

My family and I grew up next door to the Marx and McCabe family on 33rd Street. We knew them well. Jeff and Casey I am so sorry for your loss. Olga Nowakowski Peterson.

Jeffrey McCabe

November 8, 2026

Great mom all life long.

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