Suzanne Eckert 1948-2022

She was born Aug. 6, 1948, in Portsmouth, Va., the daughter of CDR Francis Albert Lewis, USN (Ret.) and Frances Nordwall Lewis. Suzie graduated from Boardman High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, she attended Ohio University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education. She later received her master of science degree from Chapman University, Calif.

In 1970, she married her high school sweetheart, W. F. “Bill” Eckert Jr., and began a career in education in the Youngstown City School System. In 1973, she and Bill moved to Pensacola, Fla., where he began a 31-year career as a U.S. Navy aviator. Suzie continued as an educator wherever the Navy took them. She taught in Hawaii, Guam, Jacksonville, Fla., Hillsborough County, Fla. and was a lead teacher in Fairfax County, Va. She finished her teaching career at Ferry Pass Middle School in Pensacola.

Suzie was the consummate teacher and Navy wife, but she considered raising their children, Matt and Meghan, to be successful adults her greatest accomplishment. She was affectionately called “Susu” by her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She adored her grandchildren, taking great pride in their accomplishments, and was always their biggest fan.

After the Navy, she and Bill Capt. USN (Ret.) retired to Pensacola. They were looking forward to celebrating 52 years of marriage Aug. 8 of this year. Suzie was a member and former president of the Marcus Pointe Ladies’ Golf Association, the Marcus Pointe Bunco Club and of the Army Navy Country Club, in Arlington, Va. Suzie enjoyed the hobbies of golfing, cooking, shopping, and entertaining family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, CDR Francis Albert Lewis USN (Ret.) and Frances Nordwall Lewis.

Survivors include her husband, Capt. APT W.F. Eckert Jr. USN (Ret.); her children, Matthew Albert Eckert of Tampa, Fla. and Meghan Eckert Barter (Aaron) of Pensacola, Fla.; her grandchildren, William Robert Barter, Emily Elizabeth Eckert and Jackson Thomas Barter; her siblings, Capt. A.M. Mike Lewis USN (Ret.) of Pensacola, Fla., Sarah Wandell (Capt. Al Wandell USNR) (Ret.) of Gulf Breeze, Fla. and CDR Carl Lewis USN (Ret.) (Joyce), of Pensacola, Fla.; her nieces and nephews, Geoff Lewis (Michelle), David Lewis (Nellie), Greg Lewis (Chrystal), Danielle Morrison (Bo), Kellan Lewis (Jennifer), Doug Wandell (Shana), Josh Lewis (Sarah) and Robert Wandell (Meg); numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who were all her favorites, particularly the one she saw last; and lastly, her beloved seventh cocker spaniel, Cooper.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the memorial service to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Steven Lenga and Covenant Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Covenant Care of Pensacola, Fla.

Those who wish to remember Suzie in a special way may plant a flower (a hydrangea would be nice), take a trip (Biloxi would be nice), go shopping (Belk’s would be nice), play a round of golf (Marcus Pointe would be nice) or cook a meal for your family and friends (steamed shrimp, potato salad and bread pudding would be nice).

(special notice)