Nov. 27, 1925 ~ Feb. 20, 2017
Joan Frances Eck Bourne, 91, passed away on February 20, 2017 after an extended illness.She is now at peace, joining her parents, her sisters Alice and Alma, her brother Nick, and her “only true love”, her first husband Frank who died in 1989.
Joan was born in Alameda, California on November 27, 1925 to Nicholas and Alma Lustig. While attending Glendale High School in Southern California, she met her future husband Frank Eck. They were married on November 25th, 1943. Their honeymoon was cut short by Frank’s deployment as an infantryman during WWII where he served honorably on both the European and Pacific fronts.
After Dad’s return from the war, their commitment and love for each other and their family was preeminent. Coming from meager means, they imparted on their children the love of God and the ethics of hard work, honesty, generosity, and creative problem solving. Mom was ever the optimist, and always believed in her children’s abilities and talents, even when they weren’t quite so sure. There was never a job too big, or a problem too difficult. She charged forward in life, always independent and confident. She also had an amazing ability to look into a sparse cupboard and refrigerator and make a delicious meal
from the limited supply. Many happy holidays were spent by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their Carson City home on Ash Canyon Road.
Following Dad’s death in 1989 after battling cancer, Mom persevered in her stoic and cheerful way. She later met and married Gordon Bourne and some of her loneliness was calmed. Gordon died in 2007.
Of Mom’s many contributions, her most significant contribution was the daily sacrifice of putting her children first, providing them with opportunities she never had. In later years, she looked with great pride on all her children and their accomplishments, knowing she planted the seed for the successes we had achieved. She also had a deep faith and a strong belief in the goodness in all people. Throughout the years she quietly helped many people who were discarded by society, always believing in God’s power to change hearts and souls.
Mom is survived by her seven children and twenty-one grandchildren: Tom and Margarita Eck (Tom, Jeff, Toby, John, Kristin); Mary and Dave Tarpley (Mike, Joan, John); Nancy and Thom James (Jennifer, Chris); Dorothy and Fred Young (Susan, Adam); Barbara and Michael Lloyd (Shane, Nicole, Jacob, Isaac); Mike and Nancy Eck (Kate); John and Jolly Eck (Joseph, Andoni, Isabella, Sophia), as well as forty-one great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at 12 noon on March 4 at St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville, with a graveside service to follow at the Genoa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Carson City Knights of Columbus Sierra Madre Council #4781, P.O. Box 1201, Carson City, NV 89702.
