Geraldine "Gerry" Radlow Ecker

She was surrounded by her loving family, Karen (Ecker) Yasgoor and Stuart Yasgoor (spouse) of Indian Wells, CA, and loving grandson, Justin David Yasgoor of Vista, CA. Also surviving Gerry are her two nieces, Laurie Ecker ("Rocky" Rothman), Tucson, AZ, and Marsha Sacks (Richard Sacks), Scottsdale, AZ, and nephew Jack Ecker, Wakeman, OH. Special "step" children to Gerry were Paul Brooker (New Jersey) and Kathy Hodrosky (Wakeman, OH). Additionally, she was surrounded by her loving friends and care team from Atria Hacienda, a senior community in Palm Desert, CA, where she lived for the past 5 years. At the end of her life, Gerry was lovingly taken care of by her hospice team, Family Care of the Desert.

Pre-deceased family include, husband, Gerald Ecker with whom Gerry was married for 57 years; daughter, Ellen Ecker Benjamin, her parents, Joseph and Ruth Radlow, brother, Marvin Radlow, brother-in-law Ted Ecker, and sister-in-laws, Mildred Radlow and Rosita Ecker, and nephew Michael Ecker.

Geraldine "Gerry" was born and raised in Lorain, OH where she graduated from Lorain High School, Class of 1947A. She met her husband, Gerald Ecker, and they were married in 1948. She was a member of Agudath B'nai Israel Synagogue during her residence living in Lorain, OH. She was a long-time life member of Hadassah and Women's League, serving many offices in both organizations. Gerry played golf and was a member of Oak Hills Country Club. She was an avid bowler in Lorain and Arizona where she served as President of the Fun Bunch bowling league for over 20 years. She loved all of the table games, Mah Jong, Canasta, Train, and carried an electronic tablet with her so she could play more games online or read on her Kindle. Her favorite game was Mahj jong which she played for 77 years. Her intellect was keen and her thirst for knowledge and reading were never-ending. Gerry read well beyond 1,000 books during her lifetime. When she wasn't reading, she watched the latest movies on Netflix. Gerry found solace in listening to Jewish music and dancing. Listening to music made her feel better.

Gerry's first paying job was Woolworth Dime Store in downtown Lorain. At Admiral King High School, she was the College Registrar and served as assistant to the guidance counselors for many years. She was a banker at Lorain Central Bank, and a Real Estate Agent. She also held Civil Service positions serving the State of OH in Lorain County. One of Gerry's many strong beliefs was to educate her daughters to be leaders in the community. Gerry held positions in banking, administration, and volunteer positions in many organizations ranging from Hadassah (life member), Sisterhood, Candy Striper at St. Joseph Hospital, and bookkeeper and accountant for her family's window and aluminum siding businesses.

Gerry was a devoted mother to both of her daughters and husband when her husband struggled with illness during the entirety of their marriage. Gerry wanted her daughters to be able to take care of themselves under such difficult circumstances. She championed women's rights, believed in Oprah's mantra that "education is power", championed the Obama's, Kamala Harris', and a huge supporter of Israel. Being Jewish, and the daughter of a Kohanim, Gerry was very proud to be Jewish. She always wore a Star of David. She believed that women had just as many rights as a man. She raised and influenced her daughters to become educated and proud of their Jewish heritage.

While Gerry did not have the opportunity to attend college, she took time to educate herself by learning skills that challenged her mind. She was extremely bright, argumentative, informed, and knowledgeable of world events, technology, and gamesmanship. She was a champion Mahjong player, Canasta, Hand and Foot, Mexican Train, and Rummy Cube. Her friends at Atria Hacienda adored her and relied on her expertise.

In l981, she and her husband moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Jerry (husband) passed away in 2005 but stayed in AZ to lead an active life. Many years later, she was briefly married to Hal Linden until his death in 2015. Eventually, Gerry left AZ in 2020 during Covid to join her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Stuart, in CA.

Gerry was compassionate, kind, and endured many ups and downs during her life. The saddest moment in her life occurred following her daughter Ellen's passing. She tried to make sense of it; however, her sorrow remained with her daughter until her death.

Gerry passed away during the Sabbath on October 11, 2025. Traditionally, it is believed that a soul that passes on the Sabbath is a special soul in G-d's eyes. The spiritual elevation of Shabbat is believed to assist the soul in its transition to the afterlife, ensuring its final state of purity and peace. While some argue that G-d chooses, it is her daughter's belief that Gerry chose her time.

"The years have brought more pain than I ever imagined possible. When I cry, loving G-d, let me cry only to You. When I sigh, let that sigh be pure and honest, of a soul yearning to be free." The Gentle Weapon" Rebbe Nachman

A graveside service will be held at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85257, United States. The service is scheduled for October 19, 2025, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.