Karen Ecker

Mom, it doesn´t seem like 13 years since you left earth for the great beyond. Your 3 boys still talk about you often and contemplate the qualities you passed on to us. You still have the same three daughters-in-law you had during your life. The same number grandchildren (6j too although they are now mostly grown up. Sarah married Adam a few years ago and they´ve brought a smart, curious, and empathetic boy into he world. Sarah and Adam are wonderful parents. Steve is a loyal and...

We shared close birthdays and many, many years of an on/off friendship. Her passing is a dreadful shock and I'd prefer to think she's just too busy and/or has moved once again. We've all lost and will miss an extremely vivacious, intelligent and talented woman. I know the friends in Eugene are going to miss her soups and baking and endless invites to her welcoming little, eclectic apartment. Nothing stopped Karen...only this. Family...she loved you and appreciated each one of you. ...

Karen was an important figure at the Campbell center Creative writing class. We will miss her. Mario Myatt

Michael Steve and Paul
I too remember your mother fondly. She made me feel so comfortable and a part of when I visited for what was perhaps the first bar mitzvah I had ever attended. (I think it must have been Paul's.) I remember thinking " Oh, this is what a real family really looks like." I loved visiting your home in Downers Grove, with the good smells of cooking, many books, challenging conversation and music playing ferociously. (I sort of remember grand-parents. Is that right?)...

Fellow Illinoisan, gardener, book lover, walker. What a passionate woman, wonderful cook and good friend! She will be dearly missed. She so enjoyed parent's day at Reed in October and looked forward to the Thanksgiving holiday in the east. Heartfelt sympathy to her family. Leslie Wright

Karen and I were very good friends when our children were young in Downers Grove, IL. We always had great times together and I will always remember her as a a loving, wonderful person. I have very special memories of her and so sad to hear of her passing.

Karen and I met while training as volunteers for the library and quickly established our connections in conversations about life in big cities, the arts, food , being Jewish, and gardening. She adored being independent and able to walk around Eugene and even after her falls, she remained undaunted with her "sticks" and in her attitude. "Yes I can" and "Why not" added to her blinding smile and deeply felt laugh which never failed to elicit a smile. I can truly say my life has been richer since...

Karen had an energy source that stimulated others. She was a warm hostess for her gormet gatherings at her small artistically decorated apartment. Her feelings were always genuine and up front, and her sense of humor added to our Saturday Morning Exercise and Eat Group (SAMEEG). She did not let her physical limitations keep her down for long. She always rebounded and was back on the walking path with her friends. Even with her final challenge, she was with us at our gathering after excercise....

Karen's infectious cheerfulness improved the lives of everyone who knew her.