Li Ming Eckert

She was born to the late IChung and Yi Ying Sung, Dec. 20, 1939, in Hong Kong B.B.C. Li grew up in Forest Hills, NY and then moved to Ithaca, NY where she was in the Navy Reserves. She worked as an Administrative Assistant to one of the Professors, Dr. Darrah, at Cornell University, which is where she met her ex-husband Neal E. Eckert. Neal and Li were married September 10, 1960. On November 8, 1961, she received her US Naturalization Citizenship. And on June 7, 1962, she was honorably discharged from the Navy Reserves.

In 1964, Li and her family relocated to Carbondale, IL, where she was a strong supporter of her husband's political career and travelled with him all over the state for charity and political events. Li helped with the family business, Eckert Orchards, and ran the Eckert's Grocery Store in Carbondale.

Li and her family relocated to Texas in 1978, first to Houston for six months and then to Austin. She worked for Marriot, Texas Commerce Bank, and The University of Texas at Austin. All of her work experiences gave her a sense of pride and enabled her to make long lasting friendships.

In her free time, she loved to play bridge at the Bridge Center of Austin. There, she met many great friends and would always talk about the wonderful times she experienced. Li also cherished the time she spent volunteering at her grandchildren's school, Patsy Sommer Elementary. At the school, she touched many teachers' lives. She also loved to travel and attend performances at the theater.

Li's pride and joy were her children and her grandchildren. When she wasn't helping them, she was doting on them. She brought so much joy to everyone she was around; she was always the light in every room. She cared deeply for her friends and she cherished every relationship.

Li is survived by three children and five grandchildren: Kim Eckert and (Gilbert Cantu, Jr); Jon Eckert and (Jennifer Eckert) and their three children Jasmine, Juliana, and Jayden; Del Eckert and his two children Madeline and Preston. She is also survived by her Aunt Susan Sung and nephews Zack, Nicholas, and Max Sung.

Services will be held for family members and friends of Li's on Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis, 411 Ranch Road 620 South immediately followed by a Celebration of Life across the entryway.

Two of mom's passions were volunteering at Patsy Sommer Elementary School and the theater. Here is information if you would like to donate money in honor and memory of our mother, Li Eckert.

1. Patsy Sommer Elementary School

Attn: Library

16200 Avery Ranch Blvd.

Austin, TX 78717

Our mother made it a point to volunteer at Sommer Elementary where all of her grandchildren attended, and all but one still attend. She truly loved the school and volunteering there meant so much to her. The library at Sommer will create a fund where all donations in our mother's name will be used to purchase reading benches and chairs for the students with our mother's name engraved on each one. Please make checks payable to Sommer Elementary. In the subject line of the check, please include "In memory of Li Eckert". This would be a great tribute to our mother!

2. Our mother was a season ticket holder to Zach Theatre. She absolutely loved the performances, and had front row seats. We attended many of the performances with her. Zach is honored to accept contributions in her memory. If you would like to donate to Zach Theatre, please call Kristina Bacci, Development Assistant. Kristina can be reached at 512-476-0594, x 430 or at [email protected]. In addition, all gifts of $600 or more will be in their playbills, so if the gifts total at least $600, they can put a listing in our mother's memory.

Thank you all for your many thoughts and prayers. They have definitely helped all of us get through this difficult time.

The Eckert Family