Barbara J. (Nelsen) Eckardt, 73 of Allegan, passed from this life surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Agnes (Bywater) Nelsen and her younger sister, Susan. Barb graduated from Schurz High School in Chicago. She spent over 12 years working in special education as a teacher's aide for the Chicago Public School system, retiring in 2004. Barb leaves behind her husband and soulmate, Jon; her children: Debbie and Rob Eyrich, Jamie and Scott Flanagan and Chris and Joanne Eckardt; her grandchildren: Joel, Lauren, Brad, Kim, Mason, Ryan, Damien and Dominic; her sister, Judy and Rich Lubben; several nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends from their time spent between Michigan, Illinois and Florida. Today, let us celebrate her life and all the good times. Let's remember her crazy laugh (once she got going) and her love of thin crust pizza, hot dogs, vanilla ice cream and good old fashioned popcorn. Let's remember her favorite pastimes - "directing traffic" and "delegating." But most importantly, we will always remember her love of a good party. You may have thought you were just stopping by to say hi, but before you knew what hit you, you were staying for dinner! A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 4th at 1pm at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A second Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17th from 1-4pm at Moretti's, 1175 W. Lake St., Barlett, IL. A special thank you goes out to all of those at Wings of Hope Hospice and Wings Home in Allegan, Michigan, that helped care for Barb. Their compassionate care not only for her, but for all the family members, was incredible and extremely supportive. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Wings Home, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010. We all love and miss you to the moon and back!