Nancy Eckert

Nancy Eckert died Tuesday, February 22, 2023, in her home in Freeport, IL surrounded by loving family and caregivers. Nancy was born in Melrose, MA March 25, 1933. She brought her New England sense of etiquette, order, and propriety to everything she touched: family, friends, and community. She graduated from Wellesley College and married Richard Eckert in 1955. They moved to Freeport in 1958 where she not only lived in the city, but for it. Nancy had a knack for spotting things that could be better, finding solutions and making change happen. As a member of Amity Society, she helped imagine the original Amity Day Care Center, chaired the first Amity Follies to fund the center, and spearheaded Amity's Visiting Nurse Association. Nancy was the first Chairman of United Way in Freeport to surpass the half-million-dollar donation mark in Freeport.

Always an advocate for youth she served on both the FSD Superintendent's and HCC Advisory Councils, Green Hills Council of Girl Scouts' Board of Directors, and reestablished the teen volunteer program at Freeport Memorial Hospital during her years as FMH Director of Volunteers.
Nancy generously shared her expertise in volunteerism and fundraising in Freeport and beyond by serving on State committees as a leader in the Illinois Hospital Association, Illinois Society of Directors of Volunteers Board, and as a Resident Council Member and Fundraising Committee Chair at Parkview Home.

At the top of Nancy's famous to-do list was her family. Her attention to detail, eye for decoration, generosity, and talent for throwing an amazing party made for unforgettable holidays and beautiful memories.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard F. Eckert and her parents, Richard and Barbara Knight of Green Valley, AZ. She is survived by her brother, David Knight of West Barnstable, MA, her children, Christine (Jon) Warren, Richard Eckert, Jr., and Geoffrey (Kathy) Eckert. Seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 12 nieces and nephews from coast to coast had the privilege of calling her Grammie and Aunt Nancy.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for The Amity Day Care Center.