(Richmond, TX) Joan “Joni” Velma Eckert, a long time resident of Dallas and Plano, died at her home on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the age of 89. Joni died peacefully of natural causes in the embrace of her beloved husband Robert “Bob” Eckert and surrounded by family.
Born on September 17, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Velma and Joseph Lenz, Joni enjoyed a happy childhood there along with her younger brother Wayne, who she adored. She started her career at Revere Camera Company in Chicago where she met her future husband Bob. This beautiful pair of soulmates married and started an adventure spanning over 66 years. Their incredible love and devotion to each other was inspirational to all and will last forever. While in Chicago, Joni gave birth to their three sons, who she loved dearly, always putting their needs first and providing the best opportunities for them to succeed in life. Her generous spirit carried over to providing for her mother Velma as well, who lived with the family upon her husband’s passing until her own death. Joni cherished her years with her mother there to share in all of their love. The family moved to Dallas in the 1970’s where Joni worked for Columbia General Corporation and later at Miller Freeman.
Joni was a woman of faith and attended All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas, along with her family. She had many hobbies and interests, including reading, cooking, baking, enjoying her beloved dogs, playing games and entertaining friends and family. She loved sharing her talents and would light up a room with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. In 2002 she bravely fought a battle with breast cancer, which she won with strength and dignity.
She was a very proud and loving grandmother, known as “Nanee”, to her seven grandchildren. They all loved her fun personality and she showered them with love and time together. Joni was the proud, animated grandmother at countless school events, award ceremonies, recitals, and graduations. She left her grandchildren with a treasure of happy memories. She also enjoyed being active in the Plano neighborhood where she and Bob later moved and spent many happy years with all of their friends there.
She leaves behind her cherished husband of 66 years, Robert Eckert (age 91), her three loving sons, Ken and his wife Michelle (San Miguel, CA), Bret and his wife Jeanette (Frisco, TX), James and his wife Karen (Fulshear, TX), and seven treasured grandchildren: Brittany, Mara, Morgan, Hayley, Cullen, Claire and Travis Eckert, as well as numerous dear friends and extended family members. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten, and she would encourage all to keep laughter and loved ones near and dear to your heart.
A special thank you from the family goes to the caring staff at Delaney at Parkway Lakes Assisted Living in Richmond, TX where she spent her final months, and Accredited Hospice who provided expert care and comfort in her last days.
A mass celebrating her life will be held at Noon on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 W Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas, 75093.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SCPA of Texas using the following link www.spca.org/memorialgiving or by sending donations to the SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75212.
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