Denise Eckstadt – Our Mom – has passed on today. She is loved by so many. Mom touched the lives of everyone she met. She said “A stranger is a friend I haven’t met yet”.
You can also read more about Denise Eckstadt’s Birthday Party Mom turned 89 in June, and we are so fortunate to have so many happy memories.
Mom would knit her scarves – and give them away — she called them “Hugs from Grandma”.
Daughters Diana Walker, Roselyn Phare, and Goldie Denise Caldwell would appreciate you leaving your memories and expressions of love for our Mom, below. Thank you.
A Prayer for your Mother Denise … what a wonderful legacy she leaves… a wonderful family.
The Infinite Life of God is Perfect, Whole, and Complete. No matter what the appearance, I hold to the truth and look behind the form into the perfection of Divine Love and Light.
The All Power of the Loving Presence is now being activated into a greater good for Denise and everyone around her. There is a turning from the pain, a moving through the pain, into freedom. Denise is now free to choose a different reality and is entirely supported in choosing Truth, Peace, Wholeness. I accept and claim this for Denise and know that it is God that is the Power back of all Life. I see Denise filled and surrounded by Divine
Light and Perfect Peace. Everything that is taking place is for the highest and greatest good of all concerned, and so I release any fear, anxiety, control about this situation and allow the Spirit to transform Denise.
All is well, as I breathe in peace.
And so it is.
Love to you all!
Gwen
Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and memories with our family. Grandma is still the most amazing woman that I have ever known. The things that she had to overcome and the way she raised her 3 amazing daughters is an insperation to us all.
No matter what was happening in our busy lives grandma would always find a way to make us “happy”. Still to this day my fondest memories are visiting grandma in North Canoe and taking long natural walks with her an my mom. Grandma always had a great story to tell during our walks.
I truely feel grandma is now with me where ever I go now and looking over me. I have been blessed to have had such an amazing and beautiful woman be such a huge part of my life. Grandma thank you for everything and I love you so much. And I know you are anwering back “ditto.”
Denise was such a special lady. Years ago I was going through a rough time in my life when my children were very small, and my thoughts were, “I should be out working, not just taking care of my children.” I saw Denise one day in the mall, I didn’t have a clue who she was and she walked up to me and told me that the job I was doing, raising two children, was the most important job I could possibly be doing in my life.
Her words stuck with me as a message from God. I continued to be a stay at home mom with no regreats. Months later my husband and I were baptized into the same church as Denise and that is when I learned of who this nice lady was. I am sure she was a blessing to all who met her and she will be missed.
Sandy Linville
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for your loss. Tears of sadness will fade away however prayers for the soul of Denise will be taken up with God. This is a thought I’ve learned during the wake of my mom.
Take care,
Avelyn
Dear Diana and Goldie and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, and my thoughts are with you. I only met your Mom once, years ago, what a sweetheart!
My deepest sympathy,
with love,
Andrea
Dear Rosie and family,
It is with warm memories of Denise that we hold dear to our hearts. Josh and Jessica fondly remember the loving church classes she held for the children. Denise will be remembered for her beautiful smile and positive outlook. If asked “how are you” she would always respond with a smile and say “I am happy”. A lovely gentle woman with grace. She was truly a special part of our family.
We love you all, Carolynn and Doug, Virginia Cooper, Kathie and Roger
In Loving Memory of
Denise Eckstadt
Born at
Johannesburg, South Africa
June 5, 1919
Died at
Salmon Arm, BC
September 27, 2008
At the age of 89 years
Memorial Service
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Salmon Arm, BC
Saturday, October 4, 2008, 2:00 pm
Memory Pictures
Prelude Music – Keith Phare
Welcome – Maureen Magee
Scripture and Poetry – Diana Walker, Gabe Walker, Goldie Denise Caldwell
Congregational Hymn
Harp – Ahn Caldwell van Mentz
Life Sketch and Tribute – Julie Dubyna, Andrew Phare, Maureen Magee
Musical Selection – “His Eye is on the Sparrow” – Noelene Whippy and Goldie Denise Caldwell
Words of Comfort – Malcolm Graham
Open Mike
Closing Hymn – “It is Well With My Soul”
Closing Prayer – Malcolm Graham
Coordinator – Roselyn Phare
Organ – Keith Phare Piano – Debbie White
Guest Book Attendant – Ahn Caldwell van Mentz
Dear Friends
Thanks again for all the outpouring – there are over 100 wonderful, beautiful good wishes and outpouring of support, and thank you each one.
I am in Salmon Arm, preparing with my sisters Roselyn Phare and Goldie Denise Caldwell for the Memorial Service on Saturday, and we are having lots of tears as well as happy memories together.
Most of the immediate family will be here, and we expect around 200 people at the service. I will be reading scriptures along with poetry that my wonderful Mom wrote. (I hope I can keep serene and not cry too much at the front at the podium. My son Gabe will be by my side). And my son Jesse Walker (you can see his comments above) will be in the Cayman Islands and be here in spirit.
Love
Diana
Hi Diana, Denny & Roselyn
So sorry to hear of your Moms passing…I didnt get a chance to know her really well, but I do remember her gentleness and the kindness in her eyes!
My condolences to all of you, take care
Love Sheri
Diana and family,
My thoughts and feelings have been with you all on your Mom’s setting out on the next stage of her sacred journey.
She sure did live and love a full and creative life and her beingness will have touched many in very good ways. It is a privilege having known her.
An Angel on earth; an Angel in Heaven!
Lots of love from the heart of…
Gary
Dear Diana and Denny and family’s,
I am very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to all of you.
Beate
Diana, Gabe and Family,
May god bless you and keep you during your time of grief.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Lots of Love,
Sincerely
Amber
Dear Goldie and Family,
I empathize with your loss. Even though it is the natural order of life that our parents leave us, I remember how overwhelmed I was when my father died, so I have great compassion for you all. There’s a short one liner that I think says it all — “That which once brought great joy also brings great sorrow”
May all your memories be heartwarming.
Sincerely,
Sandra
Warmest hugs to you in this transition. Lots of love to you Goldie, Anh, Sabrina and family.
Robyn
Diana,
Sweet condolences to you and your family. Your Mother’s life is a testimony of so many of us who only wish we could be remembered in such a beautiful way. She’s at peace now and surely in a much better place. Sending you bountiful hugs and strength. ~ Regina
I remember when Denise came to the newspaper office and asked me if she could submit an article. The first article by a senior was so popular that she was given a heading, Grandma Writes, and invited to submit more articles. They were read by many.
Denise had a good life and was an inspiration to others. All those who knew her were blessed by her smile and her positive attitude.
Although she will be missed by her family, I know from a conversation on the street today that there is a feeling of relief that she is no longer in pain, and is with the Lord.
What an excellent way to have us submit our condolences!
Diana
It was a real pleasure to have known your mom. She was quite the lady. I know you will miss her but the memories you have must be a real treasure. Thinking of you.
Diana, I was sorry to hear about your mom’s passing … but I’m glad you have so many good memories of your time together. My thoughts are with you.
Take care.
Cheers,
Dayle
To all of the Eckstadt girls and their families
As my wife, Irene, & my brother Harold joined you yesterday at your mothers memorial service, it was an emotional time for me as it brought back a flood of memories of your mother. (always Mrs. Eckstad to Me as my mother taught me.) One of my fondest memories of your mother, was when I was about 8 or 10 years old she asked me to go with he to the Malakwa store about 2 miles each way. We spoke of many things, and as a young man, I was quite taken with her stories. When we were about 1/4 mile from her home, I realized that she had a large shopping bag in either hand, and I offered to carry them. She kind of exploded, saying you are just like my brother, Alan (I believe was his name.)
you don’t help until its too late, and then want to get all the credit!
I have never forgotten this and and 54 years later have always endeavored to treat ladies like ladies.
My mother, Bjorg Hickson was a midwife for your mother, but I don’t know which child she helped deliver. My mother was also instrumental in your mother joining the SDA church and was one of those trading eggs for mrs. Eckstadt’s baking.
We have kept in touch over the years, and will miss her lovely cards & notes.
Our mother passed October 27th, 1981 and there is never a day go by when I do not think of her. They say it gets easier, but I am still waiting for that time. Our thoughts are with you all!
Dear Diana:
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Keiko
Received from Pastor Ron Nelson, recent Pastor at the Salmon Arm Seventh Day Adventist Church:
Sandra emailed me this news and I wanted to drop a note of encouragement to you at this time. The witness of yourselves and your family have been significant to us and your friendship is valued deeply.
Our prayers are with you! I will fondly remember Denise as an extraordinary, charismatic person. Her gentle, determined zeal for life was expressed daily in her high regard for her Lord. Her witness and love of people was evident in every conversation and writing. Truly, she was an inspiration to me!
May God bless you as a family in this time of loss.
Pastor Ron Nelson
Diana/ Denny / Roselyn & Familys; My / Our deepest regret we could not attend your Mothers Memorium. ( Gene ) I have always enjoyed visiting with her. A kind soft spoken manner she presented was always comforting. I am sure she holds an elevated place in Heaven, as she earned it. (Gail) I met her only the one time and have a Grandmas Hug scarf , it will always remind of her sweet quiet nature . We will all meet again , if what we believe to be is true. God Bless You All …………….. Gene Manason / Gail Harrison ………………..
Dear Diana & Denise!
Our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful mother. She was such a joy and we are glad we had the opportunity to know her. May the happy memories that you have of her be with you always.
With Love,
Andrea Langer & Vern Meding
Forwarded from Ella Hoskins
For the family of Denise Eckstadt
It was with sadness that I learnt of Denise’s death. I am sorry that I wasunable to come to her funeral.
It was always enjoyable meeting at War Brides, the poems that she brought. I’m afraid their numbers are very small now. We met also at the Retired Nurses luncheon. I will really miss seeing her on these occasions.
My sympathy and Good Wishes to You All
Ella
To Friends and Family of Denise Eckstadt
I have been deeply touched by the unexpected outpouring of support from so many people after the loss of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend.
It is difficult to adequately than you for all the beautiful flowers, kind thoughts and actions towards our family.
May we each find comfort knowing that Mother was ready to meet her Saviour and had full confidence in God’s plan for her. It was Mother’s inner strength, her unwavering faith that allowed to her to live her final days in dignity and calm. A peace lover and a peacemaker, she had a great understanding of human nature and was blessed with patience and a great sense of humor. Her influence will live on within us and her sweet and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.
Lovingly,
From her daughter Roselyn Phare
Hi Roselyn,
I’m so sorry about your mum. I think the last correspondence from you was when she had her fall and you were visiting her in hospital.
Larry and I send our love and condolences. I know how close your family is and she will be truly missed. Keep her alive in your hearts. We can never lose our mothers totally. All the best.
Love Bette and Larry
Dear Diana, Denny, and Rosie,
I am sorry this message is belated as i did not know about your mom’s passing until just the other day. Your mom was a great person and her spirit lives on. I always remember coming home to your house with Rhoda after school and making banana milkshakes and eating your mom’s apple pie. She made the best apple pie and in 40 years I have never tasted better. Thinking of you all.
Jeannie Campbell
Dear Diana, Denny, and Rosie,
I am sorry this message is belated as i did not know about your mom’s passing until just the other day. Your mom was a great person and her spirit lives on. I always remember coming home to your house with Rhoda after school and making banana milkshakes and eating your mom’s apple pie. She made the best apple pie and in 40 years I have never tasted better. Thinking of you all.
Jeannie Campbell
Diana I am just now hearing of this. I’m sorry to hear of your loss, I know it must be devastating to lose your mother. I’m sure I will feel much as you do when that day comes for me. We owe our moms so much don’t we?
I’m sure she was a beautiful person!
Diana, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your Mom and about that awful excident with your son. This will not help but still I wanted to let you know that I feel for you.
Natalia
Thank you so much, each of you expressing your caring and thoughts. It helps so much.
Diana
My sister Roselyn has provided the following words written on sympathy cards received by our family:
I have again read through some of the cards given to us as a family on behalf of Mom and thought I would share a couple with you:
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It was a privilege to know “Grandma” Eckstadt for the few years we have been here. God bless you all and give you peace.
Sincerely yours,
Malcolm and Christine Pedlar
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Dear Roselyn, Diana & Denny
Just a note to express my sympathy on the passing of “Grandma Eckstadt”. She touched many people and certainly will be missed.
I have some very nice memories of her kindness and her lovely smile. She was inspiring!
Best wishes to you and your families,
Cindy Derkaz
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To the family of Denise Eckstadt
What a blessing to have had such a loving Mother and Grandmother for so many years, and she has been a blessing to many other, in so many ways.
Ralph Davis
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May you be blessed with all the beautiful memories of your Mother and her hope and trust in Jesus.
Love, Max and Nettie (Kilba)
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Diane and Family,
Please accept my prayers and condolence on the loss of your Mother. It is so hard when we have to give them up.
Abundant Blessings & hugs,
Edna Dinsmore
NOTE FROM DIANA WALKER: This email was sent to me from Barbara in March, and I confirmed that she is fine with me posting to this Memorial page for our Mom….
Diana, I meant to get in touch with you right away about your Mom. I didn’t , and I apologize.
I was going through a collection of many things (thinking to clear up some of my clutter), and came across three clippings of Denise’s writings. Two were from her column Grandma Writes. The other, which is my favourite, I had just copied from somewhere. Here it is.
This, the Beginning of a New Day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes
This day will be gone forever,
Leaving in its place
Something I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
Good, not evil; success, not failure,
In order that I shall not regret
The price I paid for it.
Denise Eckstadt – 1997
I know I don’t have to tell you what a dear person your Mother was.
I can remember meeting her at a function of some kind where she learned I was new in town, and after a few minutes conversation, she said “Now I need a hug.” Maybe she did, but she also made me feel welcome in my new place. Each time we met after that, I got a hug.
Of course, I suspect that was how she treated most people, and who can guess how much good, encouragement, and warmth she spread around the town to the betterment of all our lives.
A person doesn’t ever forget someone so loving and non-judgemental, so even though Denise is gone, those of us who were fortunate to know her will continue to remember how we should live our lives to the fullest.
I hope things are going well for you in your life, and in your business. It is more important than ever that people look after themselves these days.
It’s hard to know what to expect next.
I am comfortable and settled in my home, and hope to stay here for many years yet. It is nice to be near my three daughters, their children, and the seven great-grandchildren, with another on the way. The oldest will be seven in the summer, so they are all good fun right now.
Very best wishes always – and a hug.
Barbara
Thank you so very much, Barbara. Diana
Just remembering Mom today – it is almost a year since she passed away.
http://www.bowersfuneralservice.com/eckstadt-constance-denise/
Mom’s closest friend, Mildred King, just passed away
http://www.bowersfuneralservice.com/king-mildred-rose/
We miss you both so much.
Love
Diana and all of us family