Cecelia (Cece) was born in Santa Cruz, CA on January 3, 1949. She was the second daughter born to Sylvester F. and Esther L. Holtermann. Living most of her youth in Wasco, CA, Cece helped pick cotton on the family farm. She earned her degree from Stanislaus State University where she met her husband, Jim. Cece became a life-long teacher, teaching students from pre-K through eighth grade for over 30 years. Though retired, Cece continued teaching through her grandchildren who benefited from her knowledge and care.
Growing up, Cece heard the phrase, “love is just a word,” repeated often. As a devout Catholic, she took this to heart in her own way: to Cece, love was never just spoken—it was lived. She shared her love not through speeches or bold proclamations, but through every action she took and every lesson she taught, living daily as her faith commanded.
She cared deeply for her friends, keeping in touch no matter the distance. Her students were an extension of her own family—sons and daughters deserving of care, consideration, knowledge, and guidance. Her greatest lesson in faith and love was imparted to her own children, showing them that love and family grow hand-in-hand. She always maintained that family is forever, proving it by extending her family to the friends whose relationships she
nurtured. Cece was famously known to ask, “What’s one more?” as she set the table for unexpected guests. She leaves her family with a lasting legacy of unconditional love and a family built to endure.
Survived by her 6 children, Rebecca A. Calvasina (Jamie), Daniel J. Eckman (Laura), Lisa M. Shand, Andrew W. Eckman, Alexander M. Ioannides, and Vanessa I. Ioannides; 8 grandchildren, Jessica S. Partida, Tyler J. Calvasina, Ethan J. Calvasina, Claire M. Eckman,
Audrey A. Eckman, Wyatt H. Shand, Oliver L. Shand, and Penelope L. Shand; her sister, Margaret E. Monticelli (Marcello); her brother Dennis L. Holtermann (Kay); multiple nieces and nephews; and extended family.
Preceded in death by her husband James W. Eckman, her parents Sylvester F. and Esther L. Holtermann, her in-laws John T. and Ruth A. Eckman, her sister Susan L. Ioannides, brother-in-law James C. Grimmett Sr., and nephew James C. Grimmett Jr.
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Eckman family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.
