Plan for the Future
Anna A. Ecker, 92, of Chatham Township, NJ passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Sunrise Assisted Living of Madison, NJ.
Ann was born on April 24, 1923 in Newark, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Anna (nee Bermel) Miller.
Ann was an avid reader of mysteries and loved watching them on television. She prided herself in being a traditional ‘homemaker’. She loved to cook and bake. She was famous by her family and son’s friends for her Iced Tea and Chocolate Chip cookies. Her specialty dinner featured German rouladen, red cabbage, and spaetzles. She took pride in her home and always reminded everyone that she lived in Chatham ‘Township’.
Ann was born and raised in Newark, NJ and grew up two blocks from Branch Brook Park. She loved to ride bikes and sleigh ride with her sister and friends in the park. She always talked about her five uncles who would give her and her sister money to go to the movies for a double feature and buy some candy.
Ann served her country volunteering for the U.S.O. during World War II. During her time, Ann asked if there was a service man she could write to. She started writing to her future husband, Herbert. When Herb came home on ‘leave’, they met in person for the first time. Ten days later they were engaged.
After being married, Ann and Herb resided in Maplewood, NJ. They then moved to Glen Ridge, NJ where they had their first son Fred. In 1951 the family moved to Chatham Township where they had their second son Rick three years later. Ann resided in Chatham Township for 63 years until moving to Sunrise Assisted Living in Madison, NJ in 2014.
Ann was a great baseball fan. She grew up rooting for the Newark Bears who were the New York Yankees top minor league team back in the 1930’s and 40’s. She was also an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan with Gil Hodges being her favorite player. Once the Dodgers left for California after the 1957 season and the New York Mets were born in 1962, Ann became a Met’s fan for life. She watched the Mets religiously on television, and loved going to games with her son Rick and her three grandchildren. Her favorite players were Jerry Koosman and David Wright.
Ann was a member of the Chatham Township Women’s Club for over 30 years. She held many positions within the organization and enjoyed being Treasurer the most.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Herbert F. Ecker of 50 years. She is survived by her son, Richard A. Ecker and his wife, Susan. She was the beloved grandmother of Ashley Capalbo and her husband Anthony, Keri Ecker, Scott Ecker and great-grandson, Andrew Capalbo. She is predeceased by her son, Frederick Ecker and her sister, Evelyn Miller.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, NJ. A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 in the funeral home. An interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to St. Labre Indian School, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of choice.