Amy Wilson Eckler

Amy Wilson Eckler was born on March 4, 1948 and passed away on July 9, 2012. She was the youngest of the three children of Mary and John Wilson. Though her extraordinary life extended through several professions, Amy truly excelled and found a passion for education. Her career began as a substitute teacher, quickly evolving into a full time position at Plano East Senior High School where she was awarded Beginning Teacher of the Year. In her ten years at Plano East, Amy taught Senior English, resource classes and vocational education, and spent nine of those years as Academic Decathlon head coach. Under her careful guidance, the Plano East team reached the state competition each year.

In 2005, Amy helped in the establishment of John Paul II High School becoming an English teacher, learning specialist, department head, and continuing to coach Academic Decathlon where she guided teams to the National level on three occasions. Her aptitude in education is evident by her long list of professional achievements. Amy was named Plano and Region 10 secondary teacher of the year, earned a Masters in Education, held lifetime teaching certifications in five academic areas, held memberships in Texas Parent-Teacher association, John Paul II High School PTSO, National Council of Teachers of English, Texas Association of Professional Educators, and the National Catholic Education Association. Her love of edifying students extended beyond her primary teaching positions, as Amy spent summers and weekends serving as an instructor in SAT, ACT, PSAT preparation for Karen Dillard’s College Prep.

A three-week visit to Japan through the Fulbright Memorial Fund program rekindled an interest in travel. Amy’s loves of culture lead to many globe-trekking jaunts with her favorite traveling partner, her husband of forty years, Ken Eckler. Together, they visited five continents, capturing their adventures in dazzling photographs.

Amy possessed a charm capable of lighting up a room. She shone her brilliant light through many philanthropic endeavors including serving as a PTA officer and board member, Odyssey of the Mind coach, and volunteer for City House, Meals on Wheels, and Plano Santas. She also spent much time as an active member of Central Congregational Church in Dallas including roles as church president and board officer.

Before entering her career in the field of education, Amy graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor’s of Science. She worked as a newspaper publisher, editor, reporter and photographer for papers in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio as well as working in graphic arts layout for the Taylor Publishing Company.

Despite the enormity of her professional achievements, Amy truly excelled at being a wife and mother. She loved her family and cared for their welfare above all. She is survived by her husband, Ken, her two children, Johanna and Alex, her sister Janet, and her two grandchildren, Kathryn Johanna and Evelyn Amy. Her family expresses their sincere appreciation to all of Amy's friends that continued to support her during her battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the John Paul II High School tuition assistance fund. A memorial service will be held at Central Congregational Church in Dallas on Saturday July 14th at 1:30 PM.