Diana C. Eckert

Diana Claire Eckert, 83, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2026, after a brief illness. Born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Victor and Belle Brutout. She grew up as the middle child in a boisterous family of five children. Preceding her death were her older sisters, Judith Hunt (Norman) and Barbara Crow (Charles). She is survived by her younger brothers Victor Brutout (Marybeth) of West Grove, PA, and Samuel Brutout (Anafred) of Leesburg, FL.

Diana shared 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Donald C. Eckert, Jr. Together they built a life centered on family, devotion, and the many quiet moments that become a lasting legacy. She was the loving mother of Rebecca Eckert of Willington, Connecticut, and Marc Eckert of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the proud grandmother of Madeline, August, Serenity, and Josiah.

Diana had a passion for learning and helping others. She was a proud graduate of Western Pennsylvania School of Nursing and earned advanced degrees in both education and maternal childhood health from Duquesne University and the University of Delaware. Diana was a retired obstetrics nurse and clinical nurse specialist working for over 40 years to support and nurture mothers as they welcomed new babies into the world. She began her nursing career in Lancaster as an instructor at the Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing and the Lancaster General School of Nursing and also taught Lamaze classes in the 1970’s to many families in Lancaster. (For many years, every shopping trip to Park City involved stopping to talk with a former student for an update on how their labor and delivery or growing family was doing!) After earning her MSN in clinical practice nursing, Diana was one of the first Obstetrical Clinical Nurse Specialists in Lancaster, working at OB/GYN Associates and then OB/GYN Limited. As a caring professional, Diana also volunteered with Share of Lancaster, an organization which provides support to families who have lost children during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Diana loved music and was known for her beautiful soprano voice that was often raised as a member of church choirs throughout her life as well as membership in the AARP Chorus of Lancaster. In addition, Diana was an active member of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church working with many groups including the care team, altar guild, and Monday morning quilting.

Diana was an enthusiastic traveler, enjoying cruises all over the world with family and friends. An avid follower of all things meteorological and March Madness basketball, she also enjoyed simpler pastimes like camping in western Pennsylvania, sewing, reading, tackling Sudoku puzzles, watching Hallmark movies, and crafting. So many people have received Diana’s hand-made cards to celebrate events big and small or to share encouragement when in need. Her generosity and creativity will be sorely missed.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3131 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, PA, with a time to visit with the family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diana’s memory to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church or Share of Lancaster, 414 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.