Marie Antoinette Eccard

Marie Antoinette Eccard

"Mom, Grandma, GG"

May 24, 1934 – January 4, 2026

Celebrating a long, remarkable life often brings a mixture of emotions; joy for the memories created and sadness for the absence felt. The life of Marie Antoinette Eccard, affectionately known as Grandma – and GG for the last 17 years - is a perfect example of this bittersweet experience. Born on May 24, 1934, GG filled the world with her vibrant spirit until her promotion to Heaven on January 4, 2026. She will be remembered for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and safe, and for filling every room with laughter and warmth. She was not only a family member, but a cherished friend whose impact resonates deeply in the hearts of those who knew her.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and GG, she expressed her love through the simple joys that became lasting memories for all of us. Pool days were never just about swimming; they were moments of togetherness and laughter. Her garden reflected the same care she gave her family, nurturing everything she loved. In the kitchen, she found joy in cooking, preserving, and canning – acts of love that carried on family traditions and quietly showed that her greatest happiness came from caring for others. Beyond her home, she shared that same generosity by feeding the homeless and volunteering in her community, freely giving her time and resources and expecting nothing in return.

Growing up, her kitchen was a magical haven where love was the main ingredient – the kind of love that had no expiration date and nothing went to waste! Weekend mornings with her grandchildren, cooking chipped beef gravy side by side, while she shared stories that danced between reality and whimsy. The aroma of her famous cherry cheesecake pies and the smell of her strong, sweet coffee, with the sound of "The Price is Right" or her favorite soap opera playing in the background was her very own trademark to our childhood.

Family gatherings with GG were always lively and full of surprises. Her storytelling ability transformed mundane moments into extraordinary events, often leaving everyone in stitches. Her knack for weaving unexpected twists into her tales made even the most serious occasions, like church services, turn into laughter-filled experiences. These "GG stories" became a treasured part of family lore, illustrating her unique ability to be the author of everyone's story.

Playing cards with her grandkids was one of her most recent favorite pastimes and was a learned "sport" for her grandkids early on in life. Those spirited games where GG's competitive streak would emerge, often accompanied by playful banter that made losing feel like winning. She had a way of turning everything into a cherished memory, even if she called you a few names during the process. She was always very competitive and went out as a winner in her last Bingo game just 6 days before her passing.

As GG embarks on her next grand adventure in heaven, one can only imagine the joyful reunion with her husband, George Eccard Sr. Together, they are likely enjoying endless cups of coffee, solving puzzles, and catching up on laughter and memories missed over the last 15 years. We can only imagine the stories to be shared. GG leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live in the hearts of her family and many friends. While her absence is already deeply felt, comfort comes from knowing that her radiant spirit will continue to shine brightly in our lives.

Survived by her beloved daughter & caretaker for the last several years, Suzanne Bailey and her husband Donny, sons George Eccard Jr and his wife Joy, and David Eccard alongside Cheryl. GG's family tree is filled with love and connection, rooted in the deep devotion she had for her children – a love that naturally carried down to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She showed up for them in every season of life, whether on the sidelines of sporting events, in the audience at school programs, or simply by being a steady presence they could always count on.

Her granddaughters-Kristi Jackson and her husband Robbie, Jaime Ostrander and her husband Chuck, Megan Eccard, Mandi Gray and her husband Jeremy, Danielle Bennett and her husband Ryan, and grandson Tyler Marceaux and his wife Raelynn carry forward her legacy. Additionally, GG's great-grandchildren, including Brittnee Brown, Mackenzie Ostrander, Jordan Jackson, Bailey Krikstan, Reagan Gray, Roman Gray, Declan Bennett, Gianna Marceaux, Zachary Goode, Brandon Eccard, Karina Johnson, Khyli Johnson, Kirstyn Good (great-great granddaughter Amoura), CJ Ostrander and wife Averi (great-great grandchildren Colins and Griffin), and Brian Ostrander alongside wife Ashley (great-great grandson Henry) are a testament to the love she instilled in future generations. Each family member will hold a special place for GG in their hearts, ensuring that her joyful presence is never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on February 21, 2026 at Raymond's Funeral Home in La Plata, with visitation starting at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department, welcoming all who wish to celebrate the remarkable life of Marie Eccard, affectionately known as GG. As family and friends gather to honor her memory, it is a time to reflect on the joy she brought into their lives. The love shared and the memories created will be cherished forever. The family invites everyone to join in this celebration of life, expressing their love for GG and the everlasting impact she made. This is exactly how she wanted us to celebrate her long, love-filled life.

We love you GG, and we will carry your warming spirit and echoing laughter with us always. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department at the online donation link (https://tdvfd8.com/) or mail donation to 7035 Poorhouse Road Indian Head, MD 20640, and the Maryland Chapter Alzheimer's Association at the online donation link (https://www.alz.org/maryland).