Read Our Story
Darlene Laux Eckel, age 94, passed away in New Providence, NJ on June 22, 2023.
Born in 1929, and raised in Sayre, PA by Donna (Jennings) and George Laux, Darlene graduated from Sayre High School in 1947. She was the first in her family to attend college, venturing to New York City, obtaining a nursing degree from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. She married Eugene J Eckel in 1952, celebrating 64 years together.
A traditional stay-at-home mom, she accompanied her husband through many job-related moves, including a 2+-year stint in Holland, coming back to the US and settling in Summit, NJ. She was an award-winning needleworker, creating enormous rugs, among other items.
Pre-deceased by her husband, Darlene is survived by her children, Thomas (Jane) Eckel of Ohio, Lynn (Jim) O’Neill of NJ; grandchildren Jason (Sarah) Eckel and Jennifer (Ralph) Hodges all of Ohio; great-grandchildren Rylan and Callie Jae Eckel, and Braxten and Kane Hodges (who all knew her as “GG”).
Through all of the moves – new locations, new houses, new schools, new acquaintances – she was the glue that kept the family together and on track.
Private funeral services will be attended by the family.
Memorial gifts may be made to:
Sayre Historical Society
PO Box 311
Sayre, PA 18840-0311
All donations are tax deductible.
