Evangeline "Val" Betty Eckert

Born in Exeter, England on November 3, 1924, Evangeline Betty Eckert came to North America with her husband, Aldhelm Joseph Eckert, whom she married on June 15, 1945, in Brighton Sussex, England. Al and Val, as they were affectionately known, met in Lympne, Kent, England, where, during World War II, Al was stationed as a member of the RCAF, and where Val served in the Women's Air Auxiliary Corps (WAAF) of the Royal Air Force (RAF). From 1941 through 1945, Val worked in the Intelligence Section at Lympne, Kent and as a Plotter at 11 Group Headquarters. Al and Val resided in Ontario, Canada for nine years and two of their four children were börn in Canada; Carol Teresa in 1947, and Michael Joseph in 1951. Al and Val immigrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana in the United States, where Val gave birth to twins, Stephen and Philip, in 1955.

Val remained a life-long resident of Fort Wayne and often volunteered for The Societies of Red Cross and St. Vincent de Paul, and delivered many 'Meals-on-Wheels' to those in need. She taught aerobics and Yoga classes for years and always made the discipline part of her daily regimen. Val was active in her children's schools and served for a time as President of Bishop Luers Mother's Club. She loved to play bridge with her friends and play golf at the Fort Wayne Country Club, where Val twice served as President of the Nine-Hole Golf Group. Val also loved to sew, knit, travel and read, especially books having anything to do with British history. She was a member of the Women's Reading Club, the Antiquarian Club, and the British Commonwealth Club.

Val is survived by her children, Carol (Roger) Reed of Nevada City, California, Michael (Laura) Eckert, and Stephen (Diane) Eckert, both of Fort Wayne, daughter-in-law, Janie Eckert; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Val was preceded in death by husband, Aldhelm, on May 31, 2012; and son, Philip, on June 28, 2005.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 am, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Rd, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior, Rev. George Henninger officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Humane Fort Wayne, 901 Leesburg Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46808 or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, at 10700 Aboite Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Eckert family.