Nancy Lea Ecker

Nancy Lea Ecker, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Bellevue, WA, after a tough but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 30, 1949, in Hamilton, MT, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Danzyl and Leona Morris. She is now reunited with her parents, brother Richard, and her devoted husband of nearly 34 years, Thomas Joseph Ecker. At age two her family moved to Sweet Home, OR where they lived for nine years, before moving back to Montana and relocating in Victor. Soon after they moved to Anaconda, where she graduated from high school in 1967. Following graduation she completed a program at Kinman Business University in Spokane, finishing in 1968. She then moved back to Montana, settling in Helena, and her early career began at the Montana Highway Department, followed by a tenure at the IRS. On December 4, 1971 she married Thomas Ecker, in Helena. In 1986, Nancy, alongside her husband, Tom, and their three sons, Eric, Kevin, and Brendon, moved to Port Orchard, WA, where they built a life filled with love and laughter. Her professional life took a significant turn when she joined Pierce County Juvenile Court in Tacoma in 1988. Over the years, she became an integral part of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), dedicating herself to ensuring justice and care for the young lives she touched. Nancy retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion. Nancy was an active member of her community, deeply involved with St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church and the St. Vincent de Paul board in Port Orchard. Her faith was reflected in her actions and her commitment to service. She was also a cherished member of her sorority and enjoyed the camaraderie and lifelong friendships it brought her. Beyond her professional and community life, Nancy found joy in simple pleasures. She loved walking, gardening, and watching TV, but her true passion lay in her family. She delighted in creating Christmas stockings for her sons, grandchildren, and friends, and her dog, Maggie, was a constant source of comfort after Tom's passing. Nancy doted on her grandchildren—Lia, Rhys, Eli, Lianna, and Lilah—sharing in their lives and accomplishments with pride. Her adventures took her from the majestic landscapes of Alaska to the historic realms of Greece and Germany, as well as trips to Israel, Italy and Poland, always returning to the cherished national parks of Glacier and Yellowstone. Nancy's warmth and positivity were infectious. Her friendly nature and unwavering optimism radiated to all who knew her. She embraced life's challenges with grace and never ceased to see the good in every situation. Her laughter and kindness were a beacon of hope, even in her final days. Nancy's life will be celebrated on September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, located at 1150 Mitchell Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, paramedics, and staff at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, Life Care Center of Port Orchard, Northwoods Lodge in Silverdale, St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Angel Caring Adult Family Homes II in Bellevue, and EvergreenHealth Hospice Care in Kirkland for their compassionate care and support. Nancy's legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories, woven with laughter, love, and an indomitable spirit.