Mrs. Joan E. (Derricott) Eckhart

Mrs. Joan E. Eckhart (Derricott) entered her eternal life on August 20, 2026, stepping into the arms of the Lord. Born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania on April 21, 1931, Joan was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel (Wall) Derricott and was proud of her coal cracker roots. The foundation of her life was built on faith, strength, and determination, but there was always room for humor. 

She led a life blessed by what she called "a small family, but a close family." Family was at the heart of everything for Joan, and as much as she adored them, they adored her just as deeply in return. She was the matriarch, always ready with a hug. She kept her remarkable mind throughout her entire life, filling conversations with words of wisdom and stories that reached as far back as her childhood. She had a memory for everything, and her stories became a treasured connection to the generations that came before. 

Joan had a particular talent when it came to the casino. She likely knew the casino machines as well as the staff did, and her winnings weren't based on luck. She was brilliant, could read those machines like no one else, and somehow always managed to act surprised when she won "big." 

Joan was also deeply passionate about the Phillies and was the best recliner coach you've ever seen. She was devoted through and through, offering her advice and opinions from the comfort of her chair- regardless of whether they listened to her. 

But most of all, she lit up when she was with family. Shared holidays, vacations, lunch and dinner dates, and long conversations- she simply wanted to be together with the people she loved. She surrounded herself with family and friends, and the people she held close were truly blessed to have her in their lives. 

Joan leaves behind a son, Dave Eckhart, and his wife Staci Eckhart; granddaughters Dana Wendt and her husband Dan Wendt, and Laura Farkas and her husband Jared Farkas; and great-grandchildren Lily and Brady Wendt. 

Predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, John Eckhart; her daughter Deborah Delaney (Eckhart); her grandson, Ryan Delaney; brother-in-law Merrill Eckhart; and sisters-in-law Arlene Sicher (Eckhart) and Mary Lou Hodes (Eckhart).

Joan's family takes comfort in knowing that she will be back in the arms of John, as well as those who passed before her. They will carry Joan with them in her stories, traditions, and memories, and honor her legacy for the rest of their lives.

Services for Joan will be held privately by her family. Burial will take place in Arlington Memorial Park, Whitehall, PA. 

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is honored to be caring for Joan and her family. Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to Joan's family on her obituary page at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.