Our beloved mother, Eileen Marie Gerhard Eckstrom, passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born on September 19, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Mary and George Gerhard.

In March 1951, Eileen married the love of her life, John Eckstrom. John passed away in May of this year, just months before Eileen. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, faith, commitment, and communication. Together, they shared 75 wonderful years, building a life and raising their family with unwavering devotion to one another and to God.

Eileen and John raised their six children in Sayreville, New Jersey. She is survived by her children, Kevin Eckstrom; Georgann Tice and her husband, Tim; Nancy Burke and her husband, Peter; Gail Mohary and her husband, Steve; Regina Theriault; and Michael Eckstrom. She was a proud and loving grandmother to ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy and were a constant source of pride.

Eileen was a devoted mother and a wonderful role model whose generosity and dedication touched the lives of many. She was deeply involved in her children’s activities, serving for many years as both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She was instrumental in establishing a girls’ softball league, where she served as a coach and commissioner. When her children participated on the swim team at the local YMCA, Eileen volunteered countless hours helping at swim meets. She was always willing to give her time and energy to support her family and her community.

After her children were grown, Eileen began a career with Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She retired at the age of 63 and, together with John, moved to The Mirage in Barnegat, New Jersey. There, she embraced a new chapter of life, making many wonderful friends and becoming an active member of the community.

Eileen had a generous spirit and loved finding ways to help others. She led the knitting club at The Mirage, where she and her fellow knitters created blankets, hats, and other items that were donated to children and adults in hospitals. She also loved to travel, spend time with friends, and gather around the table for a good game of cards. Her warmth, humor, friendship, and caring nature made her a special presence in the lives of everyone who knew her.

A devout Catholic, Eileen was an active and faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Barnegat. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she generously volunteered many hours with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping those in need.

Eileen will be remembered most of all for the love she gave so freely—to her husband, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her friends, and her community. She lived a life of faith, service, family, and friendship, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that will continue through the many lives she touched.

A memorial mass will be held on September 18 for John and Eileen Eckstrom at 10:30 am at St Marty church 747 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, NJ

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John & Eileen Eckstrom to St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, c/o St. Mary's Church, 747 West Bay Avenue.

PO Box 609, Barnegat, NJ