Barbara Eckel

Barbara Maciolek Eckel, 81, of Evanston, IL, died on June 7, 2025, while visiting her family in California. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband John and is survived by her sons Joshua (Catherine) of San Jose, California, and Jeremy (Amanda) of Portland, Oregon, as well as her sister Betty and brother Tom, both of Connecticut.

Barbara was a lifelong patron of the performing arts and devoted much of her time to volunteer work. With the group Opera Volunteers International, she served as both Chairman of Public Relations, and the President of her Chapter’s Executive Board with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. A visual artist herself, Barbara worked across a variety of mediums and was an accomplished painter, quilter and florist.

Raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Barbara moved to Chicago for graduate school where she met her husband John, moved to Evanston and settled into a full life in the community. She was fond of spending time with her close-knit family, especially her grandchildren, Aniela and Jackson, of whom she was very proud and supportive.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.