MaryJane Teresa Eck

MaryJane Teresa (Magilton) Eck, affectionately known as MJ to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on February 1, 1945, to Joseph and Genevieve (Quinn) Magilton, MJ's vibrant spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew her throughout her 80 years of life.
MJ was a proud graduate of JW Hallahan High School, where she forged friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduation, she dedicated many years to meticulous housekeeping for office buildings, a role in which she took great pride and through which she formed lasting bonds with her colleagues and those she served.
MJ's life was rich with interests and community involvement. Her love for volleyball was matched only by her dedication to coaching the St. Gabriel's softball team, where she was a mentor and friend to many young athletes. Music and dance filled her home with energy and happiness, and she could often be found sharing her love for a good tune with family and friends. An avid reader, MJ could always be counted on for a thoughtful conversation about the latest book that captured her imagination.
Known for her funny, spirited, and friendly nature, MJ was well-loved in her Grays Ferry community. She was passionate about life and the people in it, and her legacy of warmth and generosity will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.
MJ was the wife of Charles J. Eck, Sr., and together they created a beautiful family. She was a devoted mother to her children, Charles Eck, Jr. and his wife Dawn, Jennifer (Eck) and her husband Daniel, and Michael Eck and his wife Dawn. MJ's role as a grandmother was one of her greatest joys; she adored her grandchildren Michael, Connor, Ava, Corbin, Aidan, Patricia, and Taylor, and she was blessed to meet her great-grandchildren Theo and McKenna, who brought her immense happiness.
She is survived by her loving siblings, Joseph "Joe" Magilton and his wife Denise, Annemarie (Magilton) Paladino and her husband Francis "Franky," Edward Quinn and his wife Theresa, and Barbara (Quinn) Smith, wife of the late Eddie Smith. MJ's special nieces and nephew, Barbie Smith, Stephanie Davis and her husband Joe, and Eddie Smith, IV, along with many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, will hold dear the memory of her caring spirit and joyful presence.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation for MJ on Friday, November 7th, 2025 from 6 to 7:00pm at St. Gabriel's Parish, 2917 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19146. Prayer service will begin at 7pm in the church.
MJ's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the joy of laughter, and the strength of family. She will be profoundly missed, yet her legacy will continue to inspire and comfort those she loved. Her memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of her family and friends, who will continue to honor her life by embodying the love and laughter she shared so freely. MaryJane Teresa (Magilton) Eck's story is one of love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family-a life truly well-lived.