Mary E. Eckert

“Being a full time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs…since the payment is in pure love”. For Mary motherhood was her first priority. Even when her children were grown, when they visited she’d still wait up till they came in. To say that she enjoyed the shore would be an understatement. Summers were meant for Wildwood and the Steel Pier. She sang “On the Way to Cape May” so much that some of her family were under the impression she had written the song. However, any song would do. When American Bandstand was on she’d be practicing her Jitterbug, and at weddings she was always first to start the Chicken Dance. But when not cutting a rug, Mary could be found socializing with the Gadabouts in Burlington, guessing the answers at Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune or rooting for the Phillies.rnAt a church social Mary caught the eye of a young man named Joseph. His invitation to dance would lead to their 59 year marriage. Together they were blessed with their children LouAnn Eckert-Lynch (John) of OH., Donna Ruberti (Fred) of Clayton, and the late Joseph. Even after the passing of her son, she always stayed close with his wife, Ann Marie Kelley (John), whose children also called her grandmom. She is also survived by her grandchildren Timothy, Tara and Mary Elizabeth Lynch as well as Christine and Brian Ruberti. rnCome celebrate her wonderful years Monday 7-9 PM and Tuesday 9:30-10:30 AM at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 at St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to her great-niece, Kelly Zsenak C/O LouAnn Eckert-Lynch 4362 Woodlands Place Cincinnati, OH. 45241.rn