Diane Yvonne Elsinger Eckert, my neighborand friend for 36 years, passed away in the home she loved on Sunday morning, December 16, 2018.
Diane’s home, named “Casa de Diane” and gardens reflected her congenial personality and love of beauty. The front door from the courtyard was usually open inviting friends and family just to stop in for a visit.
Inside was warm and charming. Attractively dis- played antiques, collections, family memorabilia and good smells coming from the big cast iron stove made short visits difficult! Always a lady, Diane dressed beautifully. She enjoyed entertaining and being with her friends and
large family. During the 12 years that my mother, Vaughn Early lived across the street, my husband Bob and I often swam with mother in the Eckert’s pool on hot summer days. Diane included us in seatings at Garden Club luncheons and some family gatherings. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and at ease with her bright smile and gracious ways. Diane was born and lived all of her 85 years in Vista. At the dedication of the 562-foot-long mural de-picting Vista’s history painted on the facades behind Main Street, Diane, the baton twirler, stood in front of her likeness on the mural with several other “twirler classmates” who came to celebrate their memories of high school in Vista (1952 graduate). Diane was very instrumental in getting the mural project approved and completed.
She was active in the Vista Chamber, the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, The Vista Historical Museum & Society, the Vista Garden Club and other local organizations. She and Paul have invested their time, talents and resources into preserving and making Vista a beautiful place to live. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.A memorial service will be held on Diane’s birthday: February 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Grace Angli-can Church, 701 West Street in Oceanside, followed by a Celebration of Life and Birthday Party at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way, Oceanside. All are welcome.
Carol Graham
