Charlotte Elaine Eckert

June 15, 1934 - March 8, 2022

Charlotte Elaine Hayden Eckert, was born on June 15, 1934, in Ridgeway, VA, to parents William Wade and Norene Ida Hayden. She grew up in Roanoke, Va., and as a teen she, her sister Shirley, and PhillipAnn, a friend of theirs, formed a trio and sang on the radio as well as in local venues.  Elaine had a beautiful bright alto singing voice. After graduating from William Fleming High School, Elaine took a secretarial course and was hired by the FBI as one of Herbert Hoover's personal secretarial staff. She worked at the Lynchburg Guidance Center (a mental health clinic), had many assignments through the Kelly Girl temporary agency, and later worked as a technical secretary for the engineers at Babcock and Wilcox. She was a member of the American Businesswoman’s Association and held an office with the local chapter.  She was active in her church, in the choir, and as an accomplished pianist.  She was also an extraordinary seamstress. While living in Cambridge, Ontario, she helped build Avenue Road Baptist Church. Elaine was a “snowbird” after retirement travelling between Ottawa, Ontario, and Dunedin Florida, and became a year round Dunedin resident in 2017.  Elaine was a long time and active member and leader in North Dunedin Baptist Church. In addition to playing the piano and sewing, Elaine loved to read, work puzzles, crochet, knit, macramé and go sailing with her husband, Art.  Elaine passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022, at Harbor Chase, Palm Harbor, in the arms of her youngest daughter Charlane Cluett. She is survived by eight children:  Claralynne Williams (husband Jamie), Steve Eckert, Pete Eckert (wife Amy), Mark Hunter (wife Madeleine), Marlene Rickert (husband Paul), Karen Heman, Charlane Cluett (husband David); Rob Eckert (wife Cheryl), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.