Mrs. Mary A. (Schaub) Eck

Mrs. Mary A. (Schaub) Eck, age 80, went home to the Lord on Thursday, April 28, 2016 when she passed away at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 13, 1936, Mary was the daughter of the late Edward and Lillian (Dedrick) Schaub. She attended St. Agnes Grammar School and was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School/Class of 1955. In June of 1956 at St. Agnes Church, Mary wed her childhood sweetheart, Thomas J. Eck. They journeyed through life never wavering in their respect and love for each other. Next month they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mary was employed by the Utica National Insurance Company in the Claims Department and later at the Clover Knitt Company as a seamstress. The majority of Mary’s life was dedicated to her family, caring for her children and grandchildren and knowing the blessing of great-grandchildren. She was respected for her maternal guidance and her tough love which came from her honored traditions and old-school values. She was a wonderful woman, a mid-century matriarch who had a way of convincing you to do things the right way in these modern times. She was the rock for her loved ones, a shining star, admired and trusted. Through her compassionate, unconditional love, she taught three generations of her family to be the best people they could be. Mary took pride in her appearance and attire, and spent all her free time with her sister and best friend Doe. She had an affinity for the Adirondacks, a love she instilled in each of her children. Their camp at Otter Lake was the site of many happy occasions over the years: family reunions, the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and endless card games well into the night. And because Mary was a marvelous cook and baker, each weekend up North was made to order through her hospitality and handiwork in cooking for the masses! She loved company and the thrill of her family together, Mary made a point to make the holiday special for all of them. And more than anything, she was grateful to have raised her children to be respectful, reliable adults and was so proud of them. To have earned the love and respect of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remain the best legacy of her life. For many years, Mary accompanied her husband on many bus trips through AARP and the Whitesboro Senior Center. She was well-rooted in her faith and prayed her rosary for the wellbeing of those she loved. She was deeply devoted to her home parish at St. Agnes Church and held a reverence for her relationship with the clergy. She was currently a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Mary is survived by her soul mate, Thomas; her cherished children and their spouses, Mary Denise and Gene LoParco, Edward and Christine Eck, Laura Eck and Karen Kane, and Brenda and Christian D’Avolio; her grandchildren, Tiffany and Joshua Early, Thomas J. Eck, Tricha Eck; Kendall Perrone, Alexander D’Avolio, and Kristen D’Avolio; and her great-grandchildren, Aidan, and Chase Early; Thomas Eck; and Silas Gay. She also leaves her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially Betty and Steve Murtaugh. She will also be missed by her dear friends, Mary Aiello, and Angela Obernesser. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Doris J. and Francis H. Renwick, the couples were inseparable, and her family takes solace in knowing they will welcome her home; and her infant brother, Sonny. The family is grateful to Mary’s physicians, Dr. William Ryan, Jr., and Dr. Dilip Kachare for their expert medical care; and the wonderful staff on the 4th Floor/Special Care Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who were outstanding and compassionate to Mary and her family. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Madej. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Mary A. (Schaub) Eck

April 13, 1936 - April 28, 2016