Erika A. (Hornung) Eckert, 96, of New Bedford passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford after a period of declining health.& She was the wife of the late Charles E. Eckert.

Born in Steinen, Germany, daughter of the late Erwin and Frieda (Sturm) Hornung, she came to New Bedford in 1956 and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven. Erika had worked for the New Bedford School Department as a cafeteria worker for 20 years retiring from Hayden McFadden School in 1996.

She was a Foster Parent to 36 children over a ten year period and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, doing cross stitch and some gardening in her spare time.

She is survived by a daughter, Karin L. Soja and her husband Eugene of New Bedford; a son, Charles E. Eckert and his wife Barbara of Baltimore, MD; a grandson, Michael Eckert of Boston and a great granddaughter Aubree; and several nieces and nephews. Erika was the twin of the late Elfriede Mutter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation from 9-11am Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in the Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County St., New Bedford with a service at 11am. interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. For memorial register or facility directions please visit www.newdayfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

American Heart Association
Web: http://www.heart.org/aha/donate