Eckstein

Idamarie Eckstein, 89, passed away at Park Village Pines, in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

She was born in Allegheny County, the daughter of the late Albert and Martha (Plouse) Miller. An only child, Idamarie grew up in a large family of cousins who would become like siblings to her. She had a heart for loving and helping others and her faith in the Lord served as a foundation for her life.

After graduating from high school, she attended Mount Union College, became a first-grade teacher and later earned a master’s degree in social work. Idamarie loved helping others, took great joy in simple pleasures and knew how to have fun, always eager to make everything “an event.” All of this would draw her to a career in children’s camps through the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, where she served as the director of Camp Redwing and became an accreditation visitor and visitor trainer for the American Camp Association.

Her work focused on helping all camps pursue the best practices in every area of their operations and programming, but her heart focused on providing a brighter and better future for the children they served. Her faith and camp experience converged when she became the executive director of the Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP), supervising two church camps for 18 years until she retired.

Idamarie never missed an opportunity to enjoy life and spent hours playing games of all kinds with family and friends, creating new adventures in the family RV, swimming, gardening, reading and making a special dish or treat to share. Above all, Idamarie loved her family. She was especially proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged her family to go to church, to listen, to laugh, to smile and to make good choices.

Her legacy will live on in the values she left behind and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Idamarie is survived by her children, Danielle Kennedy, Paul Eckstein, Daryl (Debbie) Eckstein, Richard (Cheryl) Eckstein, Tim (Bekah) Eckstein, Todd (Joy) Eckstein and Ames (Kimberly) Eckstein; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sherri Eckstein; and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in passing by her husband, Ronald Eckstein; and a son, Dennis Eckstein.

A memorial visitation will be held in Kalamazoo, Mich., at Southern Heights Church on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning at 11 a.m., with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, in Evans City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Lambec or the CAPNWP, care of Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home.

Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.