Margie M. Eckert

December 6, 1925 - December 11, 2021

Margie Magdalene (Blankenbeckler) Eckert of Lewes, Delaware turned 96 just five days before going to be with The Lord on December 11, 2021. She was born in December 6, 1925, in Akron, Ohio to Rightly and Lula (Harris) Blankenbeckler. After graduating from South High in Akron, Margie traveled for Neisner’s Five and Dime helping to set up new stores. It was during the establishment of the Washington, DC store that “Blondie” met Joseph Lawrence Eckert whom she married February 3, 1949. Margie created a home full of love and fun for Joe and their three children Patti, Debbie, and Larry in Wheaton, Maryland. Later, she worked in telemarketing. Regular weekend visits to Lewes, DE began for Margie and Joe in 1976, and they retired there in 1987. Although widowed after 41 years of marriage, Margie chose to continue living an active lifestyle traveling with friends, volunteering at the Beebe Hospital Foundation, swimming at the Y, and participating in painting classes at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center. Her beautiful watercolor paintings that hang in the homes of family and friends even won some DE State Fair ribbons! Regular trips to Maryland to visit her children and seven grandchildren served to deepen and endear those relationships. Nana was delighted to attend their countless sporting events and activities and even accompanied one grandson on a Mexico mission trip at his request! Her family continued to grow, and she was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren whom she dearly loved. In fact, when she claimed to family members, “I love you more than you love me,” each secretly knew she probably did “win” as the love that poured through her had its source in her Savior. Margie’s quick wit, sense of humor, kind heart, open arms, listening ear, encouraging words, and gentle loving ways earned her many friends, both young and old and far and wide. Margie is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lawrence Eckert and Brother-in-Law, Leonard Eckert. She is survived by her daughter, Patti Haynie (Jim); Her daughter, Debbie Bragdon (Pat); her son, Larry Eckert (Cathy); Grandsons, Jeff Haynie (Ashley); Bryan Haynie (Katie); Chris Eckert (Shannon); Navy Commander Mike Eckert; Kevin Bragdon (Kristina); Granddaughters, Missy Haynie (George); Caitlin Larrimore (Jake); Great-Grandchildren, Connor Haynie, Ethan Haynie, Lily Haynie, Reed Haynie, Rachel Haynie, Olivia Haynie, Jacob Smith, Hailey Smith, Lucas Smith, Layla Epps, Eva Epps, Nicholas Haynie, Caleb Haynie, Hazel Bragdon, Quinn Baxter, Austin Eckert, Hannah Tregoning; Sister-in-Law, Edna Eckert; Niece, Christine DeMaio (Dorian); Great Niece, Lauren DeMaio. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 10 AM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where friends may visit beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will be Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 1 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD. Live stream of the services on Wednesday will also be available by visiting the following link--https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1180913 The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Margie’s name to the Children’s Hunger [email protected] Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required, and social distancing must be observed by all persons attending or participating in any aspect of the services. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.