Patricia (Eckrich) Merkel
October 15, 1938 - October 1, 2020
Patricia (Eckrich) Merkel, age 81, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Wilmington, DE on October 15, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Andrew G. and Lillian (High) Eckrich. She was a proud graduate of P.S. DuPont High School class of 1956. Patricia enjoyed bowling, reading, getting together for family game night, Sunday dinners and getaway’s to Fenwick Island, DE.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. Merkel, Sr.; and great grandson, Aaden Merkel. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Ford and Tracy Lewis (Donnie); sons, Steven (Kim), Mark (Mary Ann) and Joseph, Jr. (Tracy); sister, Debbie Williams (Jack); nephew, Brandon Williams; grandchildren, David Ford IV, Glenn Ford, Amanda Ford, Steven Merkel II, Eric Merkel, Lauren Latina, Nicole Grant, Rachel Alexander, Steven Brown, Amber Merkel, Joey Merkel, Kira Merkel, Rhiannon Merkel and Brianna Clark; great grandchildren, David V, Lilly, Jacob, Joshua, Aria, Kyle, Maddie, Gracie, Ava, Giada, Danny, Alexis, Kaydence, Savannah, Zoey, Olivia, Avery, Leah, Chester, Ariana, Mia and 1 due in January; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Weston Senior Living Center and Season’s Hospice for their care and compassion.
Services and interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.
Pat & Chuck Dimeler
Our heartfelt sympathy is with the whole family but especially our special Robin Ford, who was our first babysitter 46 yrs ago while they lived right behind us. She has been her Mom’s dedicated caring supporter for many years and the reason our special neighbor, Pat, was able to be with us this long. Praise God that she is now in Jesus’ arms!!
Karyn Wilson
So very sorry. Prayers for strength for all of you. I can only say Aunt Pat is at peace. Stay strong and together in your grief during this hardest of times. Love you all
Karen (McClain)johnstone
My thoughts and prayers are with the Merkel family. Mrs. Merkel always had a big smile I will always remember. May all your happy memories help ease your sadness.
Dorothy (High) Bachman
Robin, I am so sorry. Your mom was the warmest, sweetest person anyone could ever know. I am so sorry that I didn’t keep in touch. You don’t know how much I regret that. I took care of my mom, the way you took care of yours. Mom, (Jo High) passed away over two years ago and after taking care of her for over 30 years, I thought it was my husband and son’s turn to have their wish come true. They always wanted to move to Florida, but we couldn’t because of my sweet mom. We gave most of our belongings away and moved into an apartment at the Point of Tamaya. Your mom was so good to me growing up and when I really needed a friend. She was always there for everyone. She is an angel watching over all of you now. No more pain and holding hands with your dad. They are both smiling down and making sure God takes care of all of you. Please email me, whenever you can. I would love to talk to you. So sorry! God bless all of you.
Mary Jo Williams Hoon
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. May you find peace in all your happy and precious memories. I have fond memories growing up of Pat, Aunt Lil and my grandmother. I’m sure they are all together in heaven celebrating the good they did on earth. God bless the Merkel family with strength and love. With sympathy and love, Mary Jo
Patty Austin DiSabatino
I was just 10 years old when Patricia Eckrich married my Uncle Joe and she became my Aunt Pat. It was the first wedding I had ever been to and she was so pretty in a very full white gown. Those memories are still with me today.
I have memories of Aunt Pat at family vacations in Lewes, cook-outs, egg hunts and Easter dinner in Bellefonte. When my Mother passed away, she was there to offer comfort.
I pray now that all my Merkel cousins and their children find peace in the arms of Jesus as they relive all their memories of Aunt Pat. I send all my love and best wishes.
Patty
Nancy Zrelock Mallerdino
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. So many good memories of growing up on Russell Road with the Eckrich family.
Nancy
Brianna clark
I will greatly miss my grandmother and I appreciate those who cared for her
Sharon Merkel Dugan
Rest In Peace, Aunt Pat. Love 💗 You.
Love, Sharon
Inge Fernsler
Our condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
– The Fernsler family.
Bill Jordan
Pat and I were in the same graduation class. We lived about 3 blocks from each other. She lived over Reivers store at 41st and market street. I used to see her at Happy Harry’s in new castle. She was a good friend and classmate.