Irmgard Eckel

Irmgard “Irma” Eckel, beloved mother and Oma, was born in Ulm, Germany on Feb. 26, 1928 and passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2024 in Leavenworth, WA at the age of 96.

Irma was the only child of Heinrich and Ursula Brell. She enjoyed exploring the countryside around her home, picking wild berries, playing with her family dogs and cats and swimming in the Danube River. Her idyllic childhood came to an abrupt end with the start of WWII and the sudden death of her mother.

Throughout her teens, Irma survived many horrors of war, brushes with death and the utter destruction of her city. Despite this, she persevered and found work amidst the rubble as an apprentice hairdresser. A few years after the war, she moved to Switzerland and worked as a successful hairdresser near Zurich. While there, she enjoyed hiking, exploring the Alps and began painting.

5 years later, Irma heard adventure calling again. She learned english, boarded a trans-Atlantic ship and emigrated to the USA. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty and docking in Manhattan she saw her first street vendor selling frankfurters with sauerkraut and thought, ‘I’m home.’

Irma’s drive and perseverance led her to open her own, successful salon in Queens. It was during this time she met her husband, Stewart, who swept her off her feet and they married in Brooklyn in 1961. A few years later, they welcomed their only child, Ursula, and moved to Long Island.

She sold Irma’s Beauty Shoppe and became the most loving and supportive mother; teaching her daughter to read, garden, swim and appreciate art. A talented seamstress, she sewed her and her daughter’s clothes, sometimes even matching outfits. She appreciated fashion and always looked stylish and classy no matter the occasion.

Life was idyllic again for Irma. Skiing, ice skating, camping and travel were regular family activities. She and Stew even took up ice dancing. A lifelong animal lover, she adored her pet dogs and was never without one by her side. Wielding her green thumb, her gardens overflowed with flowers, fruits and vegetables that she gladly shared with neighbors. She again turned her attention to art which would remain her professional passion for the rest of her life. Irma kept active with art leagues on L.I. and NYC and participated in juried and one-woman shows. Her artistic talent won her numerous awards and also acted as a therapy of sorts.

Several years after their daughter graduated college and had moved away, they sold their home and followed her out to WA state. They lived briefly in Bellingham then several years on Camano Island before finding their perfect home in Leavenworth. Irma enjoyed being in the mountains again and the scenic, Bavarian themed town. Her boundless creativity kept her active in the local art communities and Stewart was her greatest supporter and fan.

Sadly, Stew was dealing with advanced Parkinson’s but she made it her mission to take care of him and keep him at home. When he lost many of his abilities, she became his nurse and embarked on a 10 year ‘career’ of caregiving. Despite the toll to her health, she persevered once more. Her beloved ‘Stewie’ died at age 85 after living with Parkinson’s for 33 years.

Irma had kept painting and now had the time to display and sell her work again, this time at Leavenworth’s Art In The Park. Now in her 80’s, she would set up her tent, hang her paintings and spend several weeks each summer talking to visitors, laughing with her fellow artists and petting all the dogs that walked by.

Irma fiercely loved her family, her friends, animals and she readily offered a helping hand to people in need. She had a sweet disposition but also liked to gently tease. Irma had a survivor’s mentality; she defied the odds and beat death at least 5 times in her life. In her 90’s when asked how she was doing, she would laugh and say “I’m still alive!” Visits from her family, her dog and friends brought her immense joy.

Irma will be deeply missed. She is survived by her daughter, son in law and twin grandchildren. Her family thanks Dr. Richardson for his years of thoughtful care and friendship and the amazing staff at Mountain Meadows Senior Living who made her final years the best they could be, surrounding her with love and laughter.

A private celebration of life will be held at Mountain Meadows. If inclined, please continue her tradition by making a donation to a no-kill animal shelter or adopting a pet.