November 28, 1940 – October 21, 2018
Sue, Susie Q, Susan, Mother, Ma, Mom, Momma, Grandma, Great Grandma, Mea Bashell, Mea. Many names and many hats were worn over the years by our rock. It is with great sadness that we share the news of Sue’s passing due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Her matchmaking mother set her up on a blind date with a handsome man in uniform, Don Eck, and the rest as they say is history. After a brief courtship they married in 1959 and began a life together that took them all over the U.S., calling such places as Brunswick Maine, Buffalo Center Iowa, Albert Lea, Owatonna and New Brighton, Minnesota home. Sue took much joy in raising her four kids, their friends, 11 grandchildren and their friends. She taught everyone in her path acceptance and what it means to love unconditionally. She enjoyed gardening, canning, theatre, cooking and baking (meatballs, goulash, caramels and bread to name a few) and was always great for a conversation on current events and a seemingly endless number of topics. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Mea, as they all called her, was the epitome of everything a fun grandma should be and she relished her role. From weekends at the cabin, to back to school shopping trips, to weekly phone calls. Mea was always there for guidance, reassurance, and a good laugh – especially when these conversations were accompanied by a bowl of potato chips and a glass of Dewars. Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Don; sister, Sandy; mother, Connie. Survived by sons, Brian (Jill) Eck, Brad (Sheri) Eck; daughters, Sheryl Battis and Michelle (Jason) Fiske; grandchildren, Leslie (William) Van Dynhoven, Joe Eck, Tony, Brianna and Jason Gabriel, Bree (Tyler) Vetterkind, Natalie and Nick Battis, Dylan, Grady and Charlie Fiske; great grandchildren, Bella, Henry and Max Van Duynhoven and other family and friends. The family would like to thank “the angels” at Inver Glen Senior Living that lovingly cared for Mom the past 22 months. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 10 from 1:30-4:30 at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
Sue and Don were both huge proponents of paying it forward and sharing their modest fortunes with those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sue’s name to any of the following organizations: Capistrant center for Parkinson’s, Sharing and Caring Hands or MNPR. Hug your mom. Tell her you love her. Tell her thank you for being your mom.