Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1937 - 2013

BORN

1937

DIED

2013

About

Oak Park And River Forest High School River Forest High School Northwestern University

Karen Ecker Obituary

Karen Ecker

Karen Kirsh Ecker: April 26, 1937, New York City - December 23, 2013, Portland, Oregon.

Karen Ecker died peacefully after a short illness in Portland, Oregon. Daughter of Israel and Anita Kirsh and sister of Carl, Karen graduated from Oak Park-River Forest (Illinois) High School and Northwestern University. Married 23 years to Gerson Ecker, Karen raised her family in the Chicago area before moving to Eugene in 2001. Karen was the devoted mother of three sons, Michael, Steven, and Paul, and the mother-in-law of Beth Levy, Anne Dailey, and Beth Essex. She had six beautiful grandchildren, Melaina & Ted, Sam & Sarah, Abby & Ruby. Karen's enjoyment of life was infectious, and she lived life to the fullest until the very end. She was loved dearly by her family and will be deeply missed.

Karen adored her adopted city of Eugene, where she also developed many close friendships. Her energy and spirit defied the term "retired." Her family especially appreciated the kindness and outreach from her wonderful friends in Eugene during these past few weeks.

A private service will commemorate her gift of life to her children and the remembrance of joy which she has left for her family and friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Jan. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Ecker

18 Entries

Michael Ecker

December 23, 2024

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 wonderful Grandfather, and Anne adores her role too.

We are all in love w Jack. You would eat Jack up.

Sam married a fabulous woman from England in May 2024. You would love and spoil dear Hali.

That´s about it. You´d be happy to know your boys zoom monthly w Dad. He continues to remain healthy, very sharp, and always up for a heavy duty discussion but better be on Your toes.

Renee "Corky" Weintrob

January 14, 2014

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. Continue to make her proud.

January 11, 2014

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

Jensen Buchanan

January 7, 2014

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?) That is how I remember things, though clearly it has been many years. Thinking of you all.
Jensen

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

January 6, 2014

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

Pat Richardson (Nelson)

January 6, 2014

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.

Susan Brenner

January 6, 2014

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 she passed through. She will be sorely missed and my deepest sympathy go to her adored family, although she would not want them to be sad. She lived life as she wished and savored each step.

January 6, 2014

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. She was a "
just do it" person.

She will be missed!

Libby and Fred Masarie

Bill Starbuck

January 6, 2014

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

Bob Hollander

January 5, 2014

Karen was an active member of our SAMEEG walking and running group. She was so determined to participate every week with us that she would walk to our meeting site or catch a ride to meet up with us every Saturday at 8:30 AM. Even when she slipped or fell, she would come with Nordic Walking poles to keep up. She was the main inspiration for our latest T-Shirt logo depicting a Nordic walker among the runners. She also made sure that we represented women well in our logo. She was a strong inspirational character for us all, who threw wonderful New Years gatherings that brought us together in a warm way that I will miss, but I am thankful I was part of, and I will miss. What a strong, independent example for us all.

Bernie Maengen

January 5, 2014

My husband and I met Karen when she first moved to Eugene. Her daughter in law Beth told my sister in law that Karen was moving to Eugene and we got in touch with her and got together several times. I would see Karen at the Eugene Public Library where I worked and she volunteered. The last time I saw Karen was this past summer and I gave her a ride home from the grocery store. She spoke very highly of her beloved family and we would often trade stories about our New York visits. Sending sympathy to Karen's family. May her memory be a blessing.

Bernie Maengen
David Helfand

Suzanne Warmath

January 5, 2014

Karen was, indeed, a lovely woman and a loving grandmother. Her granddaughters Abby and Ruby, who are also my granddaughters, will miss her very much.

Jim Chaney

January 5, 2014

When I moved into the apartments on West Broadway a couple of years ago, Karen was the bright ray of sunshine I stepped into. I looked forward to each time we got a chance to talk; she was always delightfully smart, matter-of-fact, and engaged in everything that went on around her. The absence of her unique blend of wit, warmth, and pluck leaves a huge gap.

Mary Ann Nunez

December 29, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family, especially Paul, whom I remember well from his days at Avery Coonley where he was a student with my daughter, Laura. Your Mom was a dynamic individual and I always enjoyed working with her.

Deirdre Toler

December 29, 2013

Mike and family,
You have my sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom. The picture is a great indicator of her personality. You are in my thoughts.
Deirdre

Beth Levy

December 28, 2013

Stuart Friedman

December 27, 2013

I will always remember her pepper-steak and her homemade beef jerky. If it weren't for Mrs. Ecker, I'm not sure beef jerky would be one of my favorite foods. Our condolences to the entire family; she will be missed.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results