Lois Eckert
Saint Louis | Save
It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Mary Lois Eckert, nee McKane. She passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Born on February 23, 1932, Lois was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by her unwavering devotion to family, her passion for teaching, and her deep faith. She spent her life sharing her wisdom and love, as a lifelong educator, and as a cherished friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
A true lover of learning, Lois dedicated many years of her life to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her patience and passion for knowledge.
She was a proud member of her beloved Saint Louis University Group, Club 15, and later the “Groovy Group” of lifelong friends who continued to stay close through the years. Friendship was a cornerstone of her life, with many of her friendships spanning decades.
Lois was an avid traveler, taking trips with her husband Charlie, friends, and an annual summer vacation with her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. No matter where she went, she carried her love for her family and faith with her.
Her deep faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and it shaped everything she did. She was a long-standing member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and played an active role in her parish.
In addition to her remarkable career and travels, Lois was a gifted amateur poet and silly songwriter, making her grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh. Her songs and poems will continue to echo in our hearts forever.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Charles E. Eckert, whom she married on October 8, 1955, and who died on December 8, 2021; and her parents, Harold Joseph and Ada Ann, nee McGee, McKane.
Surviving are her two daughters, Mary Linda (George) Bass, and Laura Ann (Patrick) Bauer; six grandchildren, David (Jamie) Bass, Andrew (Sara Thies) Bass, Katelyn (Ryan) Fitzler, Claire (Zach) McCarter, Christopher Bauer, and Alaina Bauer; and nine great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kellen, Camden, Annette, Kai, Emmett, Henrietta, Amelia, and Nellie.
Her family would like to thank Dr. James Althoff, Dr. Scott Marrus, and their staffs, who provided so much more than quality healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Grade School to provide books for the school library. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
A private burial will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.
Renner Funeral Home
