Marie Eckert

Marie Eckert of Harrisburg died on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. She was born in 1945 as the daughter of Edward and Olive Cooney of Genesee, PA, and grew up on the family farm in Potter County. She loved animals from an early age, and was especially fond of her draft horses King and Villain Dillon, and her donkey Popcorn. Marie met her husband Steven, and they married in 1974. Steve and Marie moved to Millersburg, PA. They welcomed three children in the next few years: Corrina, Charles, and Bill. Marie was a proud mom, and proud grandma to Will, Ava, and Olivia, and was also notably thrilled to have numerous “grand-cats”: Twix, Cooper, Colby Jack, Pineapple, Felix, Marsden, and Ziggy.

 Marie was quite surprised to be the oldest Cooney of her generation, and mused on the significance after she celebrated her 79th birthday in 2024. Her husband Steven died in 2022, and most of her extended family had preceded her in death. Although she didn’t have a large family group, she has left behind scores of people who all adored her and laughed with her. 

 Those who knew Marie would agree that she was blessed with a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and an infectious laugh. She worked for the state Department of Labor & Industry for 22 years, and retired from there in 2019. Marie was a talented gardener and enjoyed doing her own yard work and keeping her houseplants thriving. She loved a good bargain and wandering around a flea market to find something cool and interesting. Marie’s favorite holiday was Christmas, which she honored year-round with her collection of nativity sets. She was also a big fan of the Peanuts comic strip, and had a collection of Snoopy and Charlie Brown memorabilia. 

 She was a life-long Catholic, and had been a founding member of Queen of Peace in Millersburg prior to joining Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Harrisburg. Marie had an outsized impact on the world, and we’re better off for having known her. She was an absolutely unique character, as anyone who knew her can attest. 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Please keep the Eckert Family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.