Thelma A. Eckard, age 96, a longtime Little Falls resident, went to the Lord early Saturday morning, October 2, 2004 in Little Falls Hospital. She was born in Little Falls on February 14, 1908 in Utica, a daughter of the late Frank and Amelia (LeDuc) Andrilla and was educated in Little Falls schools. On October 13, 1928, Thelma was united in Holy Matrimony with Raymond Eckard in St. Joseph's Parish House in Little Falls. The couple enjoyed a blessed union of 48 years until the passing of Mr. Eckard on August 29, 1976. Thelma's last professional employment was with the former Allegro Shoe Company in Little Falls. Possessing a deeply spiritual nature, she considered her church and her religion to be a most important aspect in her life. It was through her religion that she found great comfort. She regularly attended mass at Holy Family Parish in Little Falls where she enjoyed gathering with parishioners in a fellowship of spiritual companionship. Thelma's daily chores always included reading the bible and praying the rosary. Thelma was a loving and beautiful woman. Gifted with a kind, caring and generous heart, she always offered unconditional love as a wife, mother and grandmother. However, her predominant concerns and efforts were centered upon the special bond that she shared with her daughter Shirley. For the past several years, Thelma resided with her daughter and leaves her with many countless inspiring memories. Besides her daughter Shirley, Thelma leaves two sisters, Betty Ullman and Mildred Spine, both of Little Falls, six beloved grandchildren, Allen and wife Kathy Cumm of Colorado Springs, CO, John Cumm of Oppenheim, Kevin Cumm of Little Falls, Jeffrey and wife Ann Marie Cumm of Dolgeville, Brian and wife Tina Cumm of Little Falls, and Lisa and husband Stephen LaCoppola of Fort Plain, seven adored great grandchildren, Nicole Rae Cumm, Richelle Cumm, Brian Cumm, AmberLyn Cumm, Gregory LaCoppola, Carrin LaCoppola and Dominic LaCoppola, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by three brothers, Bernard, Raymond, and Joseph Andrilla, two sisters, Jane McEwen and Mary Luciano and by a son in law, Raymond Cumm. The family invites relatives and friends to visitation at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Monday (today), October 4, 2004 from 5-8 p.m. Thelma's funeral from Enea Funeral Home, will commence at 10:15 on Tuesday morning, Oct. 5, from the home where prayer will be offered. Father Anthony Ligato, pastor, will celebrate her Mass of Chrstian Burial at 11 am on Tuesday from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls. Procession will then follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. For those wishing to do so, memorial offerings in Thelma's name may be made to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund; donations may be made at the funeral home. The family offers its deepest appreciation and its most sincere gratitude to Dr. Liu, Dr. Buch and to the nurses and staff on the third floor of Little Falls Hospital, all of whom provided Thelma with comfort, respect and excellent care. Also their heartfelt thanks to Father Anthony Ligato and Sister Marilyn Hayes, CSJ for their spiritual guidance and for their church leadership. A special thanks also to Deacon Michael Carbone and his wife Dorothy for all of their help and concern. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.