Barbara L. Eckard

Barbara L. Eckard, born March 7, 1945, passed away on September 16, 2014 in Roseville. She was predeceased by her parents, Albina and John Maziarz, and her brother, Carl Maziarz. She is survived by her loving husband, Ralph Eckard; her brother, Al (Suzy) Mazur; her sister, Denise Maziarz; her niece, Lisa (Mitch) Armentrout and their two sons, Mark and Charlie; and her nephew, John Mazur, and his partner, Eric Kreutzkamp. Barbara was born in, and grew up in, a Polish neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago, West Pullman. She helped pay her way through college by earning her Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America union card. Barbara met Ralph while a student at Illinois State University at Normal, Illinois. They married seven years later in September 1970. She taught Social Studies in Ohio and Illinois. Then, she taught high school subjects to servicemen and women in Frankfurt, Germany. She taught two years at International Schools in London. Barbara and Ralph moved to Sacramento when Barbara enrolled at McGeorge School of Law. Upon completing her law studies with distinction, Barbara became an attorney, for the State of California. She worked for the "obscure but powerful", state agency, Office of Administrative Law. When asked what she did she would merely say she "worked for the state." Barbara was an avid reader of mysteries. Over the last few years, she owned "If It Sings to You", a home sales business. She enjoyed brightening the days of friends and family with her hand made cards. Her warm heart, engaging smile, wide range of interests and penetrating analysis, interest and joy in talking with others, love of both individuals and ethnic communities, came alive in her many travels. She was well aware of how different her life was since she was born in America and not in the country of her grandparents. Winning the lottery of birthplace prompted her to give to the less fortunate. In lieu of flowers, please honor Barbara through supporting your local food bank, Wellspring, Doctors Without Borders, Shriners Hospital, or Loaves and Fishes. A celebration of Barbara will be held later.