Age 99, passed away on January 10, 2013. Lillian went as she had lived, quietly and peacefully. Mrs. Eckerman was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Raymond, her parents, Thomas and Palmira Murphy and her siblings Eileen and Thomas, Jr. Lillian is survived by her sister Genevieve Murphy, her children Lawrence (Susan) Eckerman, Kevin (Martha) Eckerman, Therese (Stan) Kokorowski, and Timothy (Vanessa) Eckerman. Mrs. Eckerman leaves 17 grand children and 20 great-grandchildren. Lillian died at home in Santa Ynez, where she was born and raised. In her final days, Lillian was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grand children, and dedicated care-givers Jana and Vic Bator.
Lillian returned to the Santa Ynez Valley after raising her family and completing her career as a teacher. She and her husband raised their family in Salinas and San Luis Obispo. After retirement, Lillian redoubled her efforts to beautify her world through her art and crafts projects, as well as volunteer work in her community. Each of her children and grandchildren has several hand-made keepsakes to remind them of her love and creativity. Even in her final days, Lillian remained vitally interested in teaching and learning.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lillian Rose Eckerman Scholarship. Checks should be made out to: Catholic Daughters of America, Court #1162, 1597 Royal Way, San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 18th at 10:00am at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. Private interment at Old Mission Cemetery in San Luis Obispo. Loper Funeral Chapel, Directors.
