Eleanor Eckel

Eckel, Eleanor MUITZESKILL, N.Y. Eleanor Elizabeth Eckel, 96, of Muitzeskill, died Monday, July 28, 2008 at the Inn at St. Peter's Hospice after a short illness. Her family was at her side. Born in Muitzeskill on May 9, 1912, she lived her entire life on the former Baker Farms surrounded by her family. The eldest daughter of Charles and Alice Baker, she was predeceased by her brother, John M. Baker. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn M. Baker and her children, Richard Eckel Sr., Marcia (Mark) Fitzgerald, and Mark (Theresa) Eckel. Lovingly known by as "Mema" by her family, she is also survived by eight grandchildren, Nannette (Kevin) Marotta, Kimberly (Paul) Van Allen, Meagan Fitzgerald, Richard (Heidi) Eckel Jr., Maura (Richard) Clos, Stephanie Eckel, Donna (Steve) Ringwood, Donald Moore; numerous great-grandchildren; and dear friends, Nancy and Bernie Kowalski. Eleanor was greatly involved in her community and was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill Church and the Women's Guild, the Stuyvesant Garden Club, the Kinderhook Order of the Eastern Star, the Northern Columbia Lioness Club, and the Stuyvesant Senior Citizens. She loved her home and the land on which she lived and took great pride in both. She loved to reminisce about her younger years when she would attend socials, dances, and entertain with friends. She enjoyed going for drives in the country, visits on the front porch, and playing cards with her sister. She loved to garden and bake and her family will miss her homemade strawberry pie and snowball cookies. Eleanor will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill. Friends may call in the church from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. The family has requested that those who wish to remember Eleanor make contributions either to the Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill, 902 Schodack Landing Road, Schodack Landing, NY 12156 or the Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.