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.
About Diana Walker
Comment from Tricia Holder:
I an so sorry to hear about your mom and I wish you and your family all the best in this time of sadness.
To all of the Eckstadt girls and their families, You all were such a huge support to your mom in every way possible. Much of her happiness was who you are and all that you’ve done in loving her and helping her. Your wholesome lifestyles and outlook in life makes for a very strong family. Her strength was your strength that made for a very powerful bond. “To live in the hearts of others is not to die.” She will be greatly missed but always loved. Thinking of you all. love, Sandy
My very dear family,
I am naturally saddened that dear Denise has left us, but we can only be thankful that she had such a wonderfully full and fulfilling life, virtually to the end of her days.
Except perhaps for Elena, her sister-in-law, I must have known her longer than anyone else left alive today. As you may recall from past accounts, I remember her well from my boyhood -jolly, bouncing, full of life – then later, at the beginning of my career in the early days of WW2, when she was a nurse at one of the big London teaching hospitals (and possibly even more vivacious than ever). She was very fond of my Uncle Henry, my mother’s elder brother… I don’t think she reallycontemplated marriage with him, but I’m aware that my grandmother told her gently that in any case it couldn’t permitted (the anguiinary laws, and all that) ! By the time I came out of the Royal Navy in 1946,
she had already left the UK as a Candian “war bride”, so it’s safe to say that the last time I actually saw her in the flesh must have been a good 67 years ago !
We re-made contact only in the 1990s, I think; messages from me had somehow gone astray – her changes of address, perhaps – but eventually we did “touch base” once more and I’m very thankful that I had the joy of getting to know her again (and you), albeit at very long distance, over these past couple of
decades.
The previous “take” wouldn’t allow me to correct it, so I’ve resorted to this second message just to round it off.
I have tried to phone Phyllis Lawson in Brussels – a very old friend of your mother’s – and have left a message for her.
You will know, all of you, that my thoughts are very much with you.
Michael
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like she was a wonderful and dynamic woman and I am sure she will be missed. Hugs to you and your family; I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
My condolences to you Goldie and all your family at this time in your lives. Losing a Mom is very difficult and I will be sending my prayers and loving thoughts your way. I didn’t know your Mom but I have heard she was a wonderful person and it shows in you and your sisters. I send my love to all your family and to your special Mom as she continues on her journey.
Love
Nancy Pryor
Dear Diana, Roselyn and Denny,
Elena, Evelyn and I send you our very sincerest sympathy and hope that Aunt Denise’s last days were peaceful and painless.
Love from
Clive
Diana, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love and strength to you in the days ahead.
Linda Hinkle
Dearest Diana, Rosie, Denise:
What an absolutely beautiful picture of your dear mother. Thankyou for the memory you have given each one of us. I remember all the campmeetings graced by her sweet presence. She was not only a delight but an inspiring, devoted Christian woman. You are adult orphans now and no matter how old she was or how old you are, she will always be your “mama.” I mourn with you, the passing of your treasured mama.
“Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
Love and prayers,
Vicki Rodenbush
Dear Diana, Rosie & Denise,
I had the pleasure of speaking to your mother over the phone only once I wish I had met her, I say this because, She spoke to me when my own life was in the balance. Listening to her voice was a great point strength for me to fight and livel. I paray to the Almighty to give you and your extended families the strength to always remember the good times you had with her. Celebrate the life of your mother!!
Denise Eckstadt Thank you for walking on this earth and giving people the guts to fight on! Good Bye my dear!
“Viya con Dios”
Dear Diana, Rosie & Denise,
I had the pleasure of speaking to your mother over the phone only once I wish I had met her, I say this because, She spoke to me when my own life was in the balance. Listening to her voice was a great point strength for me to fight and livel. I paray to the Almighty to give you and your extended families the strength to always remember the good times you had with her. Celebrate the life of your mother!!
Denise Eckstadt Thank you for walking on this earth and giving people the guts to fight on! Good Bye my dear!
“Viya con Dios”
David.
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you today.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you today.
So sorry to hear about your mother passing over. Please know that she is now in a place of love. My heart is with you and your family. Love, Mari Sue
Diana and family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. May God’s peace and love surround you during this time of grieving.
I had the pleasure of meeting your mom only a few times but she was one of the most gracious women I have ever met. Always smilling with a kind word. My heart aches for your loss. May you find peace in knowing that Heaven is richer because of her.
Love and condolences
Karen
Dear Diane, Rosalyn and Denise.
My sincere condolences to you, her daughters and the extended family. I will remember this gracious lady with the keen sense of humour with fondness. Be well and feel encouraged by your mom’s ability to fully embrace life.
love; Afke
Hello Diana, I am so sorry to hear that your mother passed away. She was an angle on earth and now she is an angle in heaven. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time and I am glad you have each other. The fact that you are such a close supportive and loving family is the result of being raised by such a wonderful mother. Take care Diana. I will call you once things have settled down somewhat for you.
Love Darlene
Dear Diana and Goldie/Denise ,
I am so sorry to learn of your dear Mom’s passing. She was a lovely lady, I am happy that I had the honor of meeting with her and having a visit with her at your home in Salmon Arm, Diana..
She will be missed by all who knew her..
You will have wonderful memories to cherish for the rest of your lives.
Love Dolly
Sorry to hear about your mom, but so glad you had her with you for so many years. She was a special person and I will look forward to seeing her enjoying herself when Jesus comes to take us all to be with Him. I remember her always saying “Happy in Jesus”.
May the Lord comfort, bless, and encourage you.
Hi Goldie, Diane and family,
My heart goes out to you all, losing a mom is a big transition. I have fond memories of your mother, she was truly a wonderful person and has touched many lives with her love, kindness and service to others. You have truly been blessed to have had the mother you were given, and I know her love will continue to sustain you as she embraces the new beginning that has welcomed her from the other side.
Much love,
Dorothy
Diana
May you and yours have the “peace that passeth all understanding” with your Mother’s transition into another better place.
I didnt know your Mother but if she was as you are and I read here that she was……kind, generous, and caring for others she will be greatly missed.
You are in my prayers.
Mary
Hi Diana, Denny and Roselyn,
Blessings upon your mother. I have heard there is a thinning of the veil between heaven and earth (because of the help earth is needing at this time) and more folks are going to the other side to generate that help. So nice to know your Mom is continuing good works for us here on earth. I know you all will continue using the strengths she instilled in you.
Love, hugs and blessings.
Diane
Diana
I’m so sorry, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Diana and family
I am so sorry for our loss. We are family.
With our love and memories
Tida
Diana and Denise -
I am sorry about your loss. You will be in my prayers. I hope the memories of your Mother live on forever and that they will also help you through this difficult time.
My condolences to you and your family at this time in your lives.
Losing a Mother is very difficult. I did not know your Mom but have
heard she was a wonderful woman – just like you, Goldie and Diana..
Sending you loving thoughts. My prayers are with you.
Love
Nancy Pryor
Our sincere condolences Goldie, to you and your family, our hearts are with at your time of loss. We have all watched your devotion to your mother as you have cared for her as her health failed, she was as blessed to have you for a daughter as you were to have her for a mom. I know your sisters shared that caring and love.
Know we are here to support you through this transition and our hearts and thoughts are with you all.
Your teammates at The Employment Place
Dear Diana, Denny, Rosie and families,
As I write a tear is slipping down my cheek. I just loved Gramma Denise! Yes, she knit me scarves, fed me many a meal over the years, and listened with patience any time I needed to just talk.
What I remember so strongly was what an incredible support she was to you girls at times when you really needed it. For the best years I knew Denise, she was Diana’s best friend, helper and sometimes babysitting for Gabe. Also, as the years went by and your children grew and left home it was then time for you to be her incredible support as her body and vision started to fail. To the end, when I visited her in the hospital and asked how she was, she replied “Happy”!. Her voice barely a whisper, her eyes closed in exhaustion, and yet so determined to leave only a kind word and gentle response.
I can’t believe she is gone. Her writing over the years we both so enjoyed. When we got the paper we would search through it for “Grandma writes” to read that first.
How can such a little gentle woman have such a huge impact on all of us? As we miss her I am sure that you girls are missing her even more.
Rye and I send our deep love and condolences to all of you. A big hug for each of you girls and much love to all the family.
Trudy & Rye
Nova Scotia
Thank you so much
my sister Goldie is here right now.
We leave for Salmon Arm in a couple of hours.
Jasmine/Ahn is here.
We all waved goodbye to Sabrina last night as she left to fly to Turkey.
All the family will be together next weekend – the memorial service is at the Seventh Day Adventist church in Salmon Arm at 2 pm on Saturday.
Jesse will be in Caymans, Sabrina in Turkey
But all other immediate family will be there.
Julie and Chris with Samantha, Mackenzie and baby Jorja (I will meet Jorja for the first time)
Andrew and Gabe will drive together Friday.
So we’ll all be there, and I know you and Rye will be there in spirit too.
Reading your words made me cry right now and Goldie too, both of us here reading and crying.
But that is what is needed.
Love you so much.
Di
Thank you, Thank you to each of you wonderful friends who have posted here, we as family are reading every one, and absorbing the love that you send.
Diana
Denny, Diana
Knowing you both I know that your mother was
a wonderful person.
Sending love and hugs your way!
Sarah
Sarah Klein-Tower
Houston
To the family of Denise Eckstadt,
and especially to my friend Diana,
When I first met you Diana, our conversations were between you, mom Denise and me. I so enjoyed every word that she would share with us while we were on the phone. I feel as though I met her personally. Her “graduation to a higher place” comes with so much emotion. Hold tight to all of your memories for then she will live on forever.
At the time of her passing I was drifting in a boat in Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. My daughter had just gotten married.
I send you all of my love.
Chyrl
So sorry for your loss. Prayers out to you and your family. May you celebrate your mothers life in peace
Hi Diana, Rosie and Denny,
These comments about your mom (Grandma, as many so affectionately called her), are so right on. Your mom was a pillar and a friend to so many. When I first moved to Salmon Arm to teach, she met me at the school and welcomed me. Then she would show up every day to check on me and see if she could run any errands for me or, my favorite, take any pictures. She was my rock when I needed one and I am so grateful for her friendship. And as the years continued, she didn’t stop. She was always an encourager and a sharer. We will miss her! Hans, Rosemary and Kara
Debi Boyle wrote..
Thinking of you, keeping you and your family in my prayers, and asking angels to provide the comfort and strength you need at this hard time of letting go of your mom…just for a little while.
Sending love,
Debi
Dear Diana, Denise, and family, I had not had the opportunity to meet your mother but I know how special she was to you all. I am so sorry for your loss as I know what a sad time this is. Yet, you all must have such wonderful memories of her and with her at peace now in heaven, may you have the strength to get through this most difficult time in your lives. I wish I could be there with you to give you a great big hug. Much love to you all. Jo Anne
Dear Diana: We were soooooo sorry to learn that your mother has passed away but we are comforted that she is in a place that is “better by far.” We had the privilege of knowing your mother and were always blessed by her beautiful smile and kind words. I am a recipient of one of her “hugs from gramma” scarves and will treasure it always, thinking of her every time I wear it. Our hearts and love are truly with you , and we pray that her love and God’s love will sustain you in the days ahead as you mourn her loss. God bless!
Love and prayers,
Stan and Phyllis Smith
Dear Diana,
This is a time of great loss to you. You will miss your mother immensely. BUT she is in good hands and happy with the Lord.
Love, Louise
Diana,Rosie and Denise. I don’t have the have the words! Your Mother was truly an angel to me! I have sent a message via emalill. I wish Peace and Blessings to you in this trying time. God bless you all. Michael Caldwell
)
Diana and Denny,
Sorry to be so late in sending my condolences, didn’t check my email since Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mother had a long life and hope ours are as long and pleasant. May peace and joy surrond you as you pass through this sorrowful time.
Love
George
Diane,
I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Cindi
diana, my condolences. your mom will be in my family’s prayers, as will you. take care!
Our condolences on your loss. We wish you and your family all the best.
Denise and family — My heartfelt regards to you as you say goodbye to your Mom’s physical presence. She has left a positive impact on this community, and lives on in her family. Enjoy all the memories and the life that she gave you. Love and Peace, Joan
Dear Diana, Rosie and Denny,
We are so shocked and in tears right now to learn about Gramma’s passing. We love her so dearly and she was always an inspiration to us at Mountain View Manor. Everyday was a “Happy in Jesus” day at the home. We surely miss Gramma…but we are looking forward to see her again when Jesus comes and all of us will be “happy in Jesus” forever.
Keeping your family in our prayers.
Diana, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences and thoughts will be going out to you and your family.
Love Angela
Dear Di, Rosie & Denny,
Thanks you so much for sharing your mom with us. She was our Canadian “mother”. It has been such a privilige to know her over the last nearly 40 years. We are going to miss her. Alway looking on the bright side, and yes “Happy in Jesus” is still ringing in our ears. This is not the end, and one day we will all be together again. No more tears or sorrow. So many happy memories, how to you begin.
Love and prayers from each one of our family to yours.
I do remember her, such a light; so happy I have seen her in person..
Words do not come easy to me. Parents should be eternal!!! I know mine are..
I love you, think of you, may her passing be peaceful, find what we are all looking for on the other end of this world and hopefully there will be a time when together will be possible ,again. Love you, miss you, pray for all of you.
Dear Diana, I’m so sad to hear about your loss. It’s clear that your mom positively touched many people’s lives. Shes so sweet, I wish I met her. Your sister must be happy now that they’re together.
Here’s a poem that might bring comfort:
Don’t cry too much,
I’ve earned my wings
to fly ahead
where angels sing
Francine & I will say a special prayer for you tonight at bedtime.
Big hugs of love to you,
Elaine, Francine & Carmen xoxoxo
My family thoughts and prayers are with you.