Susan Irene (Bailey) Eckerd

Susan Irene (Bailey) Eckerd, age 81, of Mechanicsburg, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Susan was born on November 4, 1942, in Lewistown to the late Leithead Bailey and Phoebe Irene (Shimp) Bailey. In addition to her parents, Susan is preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Bailey.

Sue’s survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Ronald “Ron” Charles Eckerd; her two children: Kent Eckerd and his wife, Jill Brubaker of Mechanicsburg and her daughter, Karen Schmick and her husband, Brian Schmick of Dillsburg; her three grandchildren: Adam Schmick, Zachary Schmick, and Kelsey Eckerd; and her niece, Michelle Kearns and nephew, Greg Bailey.

Sue graduated from Chief Logan High School and Shippensburg State College. She earned both a bachelor's degree and master’s degree in elementary education. She taught for Cumberland Valley School District for 24 years where she retired as a 5th grade teacher at Monroe Elementary in 1998. Sue was a loyal member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, where she served as chairman of the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Upper Allen Women’s Club and volunteered at the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library and the Harrisburg Area Food Pantry.

Sue's greatest passion in life was her love for her family and home. Sue loved cooking and spent a lot of her time in the kitchen. She always enjoyed reading a good book. After her retirement as a schoolteacher, she loved spending time with her grandchildren!  Sue and her husband traveled all over Europe and the US. She enjoyed playing the piano and liked to go sailing on local lakes with her family. Sue will be dearly missed by her family and all those fortunate to have been in her life. 

All are welcome to join Susan’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.. with a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. all at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 E Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Karen J. Durbin officiating. Sue’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the church immediately following the service. Burial will be private and at the family’s convenience.

Contributions in celebration of Susan’s life can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 E Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WCLH7KBXYDALL.  

Susan’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Susan’s full obituary, view her memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.