Mary Lou Eckert
Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Eckert of Goleta passed away on October 31, 2024. The daughter of Sylvester and Aldina Fior (Capovilla), she was born on October 31, 1939 in Santa Barbara, CA. She attended Franklin Elementary and Santa Barbara High Schools where she met her sweetheart, Richard Eckert, in Spanish class and in 1958 they were married. Most people call him Butch, but to Mary Lou he was always Butchie. They spent the next few years in Tucson, AZ. She worked as a bookkeeper while he attended pharmacy school. It was there that their first child, Gary, was born. After graduation in 1963, they returned to Santa Barbara where their second child, Tracy, was born and soon after, they bought their first home in Goleta. In 1966, they welcomed Nancy and the family became complete. To this day, the kids hand prints remain in the cement in front of the house.
Mary Lou was a founding member and volunteer with the Women’s Service Club of Goleta and active in the Goleta Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary. She was an unsung heroine, working quietly and diligently behind the scenes to support various causes.
Mary Lou and Butch raised their 3 kids in small town Goleta fashion, involving them in Cub Scouts, Indian Guides, Camp Fire Girls, and youth sports and activities. She spearheaded summer beach camping trips and family adventures throughout the west to see family and friends, and state and national parks.
She loved crafts, puzzles, gardening and home projects. She played tennis, bowled in the Orchid Bowl leagues, and loved to square dance with the Taws and Paws. She and Butchie had a robust social life. As empty nesters, they joined the Elks Club and the Caravanneer’s. They loved to travel. Whether it was an RV trip, a flight across the country, a cruise, or visiting family in Italy, Mary Lou was always up for an adventure and wanted everyone to have fun. She particularly loved Alaska. Mary Lou will be remembered for her Italian warm hearted and welcoming nature, keen sense of humor, beautiful smile, and curiosity.
She is preceded in death by her son, Gary Eckert, mother Aldina Fior, father Sylvester Fior, and sister-in-law Lis Fior. She is survived by her brother Joe Fior, daughters Tracy Mapes (Shaun Mapes) and Nancy Eckert (Amy Jacobs), her grandchildren Kristina Vail (Nick Vail), Bryan Mapes, Stephanie Mapes, and three great grandchildren Olivia, James and Annie. In addition, and in Mary Lou fashion, she is also survived by her chosen son Paul Munana and chosen daughter Bruna Byrne (Morosin).
There will be a celebration of life on Friday, November 22 at 11:00 am to be held at the Eckert family home.
Donations can be made to Hospice of Santa Barbara, who supported the family during the passing of her son, Gary in 1991, or the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation who supported her grandson Bryan and the family during his successful battle with cancer.