Nancy Marr Eckel

Nancy Marr Eckel, long-time resident of Norfolk, CT, passed away Tuesday, the 8th of January, surrounded by family and friends. She was born February 12, 1935, in Omaha NE, the daughter of Harry Spencer Marr and Dorothy May Shabel. Nancy’s family settled in Denver, CO, where she enjoyed mountain climbing, skiing, dancing and art.  Nancy attended Scripps College, majoring in art, but left prior to graduation to marry her high-school sweetheart, Charles Richard Eckel (1936-1968). The couple married on June 16, 1956, in Denver, and their first child was born there, in 1957. Nancy and Dick moved to Connecticut in early 1958 to support Richard’s budding newspaper career. In 1963, they settled in Norfolk, where they continued to increase their family, and became active participants in their church and community. Widowed suddenly in 1968, Nancy continued to raise her six children alone, and returned to college, earning her BA and MA in Pastoral Counseling at St. Joseph’s College, in Hartford.  Nancy was a lifelong passionate social activist, and worked to promote peace and justice in all aspects of her life. She was also committed to the community of Norfolk and the UCC Church there. She is survived by her children, Edwin Spencer Eckel, Richard Anthony (Jo-Ellen) Eckel, Michael R. (Jeanne) Eckel, John Robert (Jeri) Eckel, Charles Stephen Eckel, and Dorothy (Javier) Roca; one sister Susan Marr; 12 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 12th at 2:00pm at the Church of Christ, Congregational, in Norfolk CT. There will be a short reception immediately following. Friends may call at the Manor House, at 69 Maple Avenue, Norfolk, CT, on Saturday, January 11 from 5 – 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.

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