Amy Melissa Eschenbrenner, age 59, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Christiana Hospital. She was born on June 5, 1959, in Wilmington, DE to the late Robert P. and Edna D. (Greenplate) Graves. A 1981 graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Amy was aContinue Reading
Amy Melissa Eschenbrenner, age 59, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Christiana Hospital. She was born on June 5, 1959, in Wilmington, DE to the late Robert P. and Edna D. (Greenplate) Graves.
A 1981 graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Amy was a beloved member of the community who shared her impressive gifts on a variety of levels. She was a proud innkeeper and entrepreneur. She and her husband, Donald, were the owner/operators of Blue Hen Bed and Breakfast in Newark for ten years. Visitors were treated to an antique-filled Georgian-style home and their waistlines were also treated to Amy’s home-baked treats, which have become legendary in the area. Her love of people was evident in the way she treated everyone and in her perpetual smile.
Amy served on numerous boards, exemplifying her commitment to giving back. She was an ambassador for New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Delaware Small Business Chamber. Amy’s service to others was recognized with multiple Ambassador of the Year awards and Business Woman of the Year award.
In addition to her many community service activities, Amy also had numerous hobbies and interests. She liked all types of gardening, traveling both locally and internationally, party planning for family gatherings as well as at the bed and breakfast, and baking. Prior to her illness, Amy had planned to launch “Amy’s Cottage Baking.”
Amy is survived by her husband of 13 years, Donald Eschenbrenner; her beloved furbabies, Monty the cat, Brandy, the chocolate lab, and Guiness, the golden retriever; her sister, Holly R. Hanson; her brother, Robert M. Graves; uncle, Robert Greenplate, Sr.; aunts Elizabeth, Mary Louise, Phyl, and Betsy; and numerous extended family members. In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Ethel Graves and paternal grandmother, Mary Greenplate.
A visitation will be held from 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm on Friday, September 21, 2018 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. A Life Celebration service will be held at 12pm on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at R.T. Foard & Jones funeral home, where family and friends may begin visiting at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Amy’s honor may be made payable to “PAWS for People” and sent in care of the funeral home.
Clare & Steve Makowski
left a message on December 16, 2018:
Amy, we are shocked you are gone but you will not be forgotten. You had a vibrant personality that drew people to you and you were extremely intelligent.
We were lucky to be able to go to your clam bake parties and a party at your B&B . Your husband was so gracious to take me around and show me all the furniture and the paintings and his work and you took me around and showed me a lot of other things from the past and present that you had collected. You had a great group of close friends & you loved your animals. But mostly you finally met the love of your life and vise versa. You left a mark on a lot of people in this town that was once small but huge now - Newark Delaware. Remembering you for ever Clare & Steve
We were blessed to know you and meet Donald - May his heart heal with time.
Much Love and condolences
We were lucky to be able to go to your clam bake parties and a party at your B&B . Your husband was so gracious to take me around and show me all the furniture and the paintings and his work and you took me around and showed me a lot of other things from the past and present that you had collected. You had a great group of close friends & you loved your animals. But mostly you finally met the love of your life and vise versa. You left a mark on a lot of people in this town that was once small but huge now - Newark Delaware. Remembering you for ever Clare & Steve
We were blessed to know you and meet Donald - May his heart heal with time.
Much Love and condolences
Cher Finnan
left a message on October 1, 2018:
Don, I just learned that your dear Amy lost the battle. I had known that she was sick but yet had not seen her in the past few months. I met Amy through an invitation to a Wonder Women Tea Party in your home and B&B and it was as if we had known each other forever. She was always such a kind and gracious hostess. We shared so many common interests: historic houses, hospitality, connecting people and our beloved fur family members. She was a bright light and her energy will remain.
Barbara and Steven Pettinella
left a message on September 22, 2018:
Amy was a true friend o everyone that knew her. She was a master at connecting people and was one of the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever known. We will miss you Amy! Our hearts and prayers go out to Don. May the lord keep you in his heart and prayers. Amy, I know you are doing some awesome networking in heaven!
Paul Rada
left a message on September 21, 2018:
Amy was a friend, even if you didn't know her. When I first met her, and Don, I was welcomed as if I was an old friend that they'd not seen in years. It was that kind of acceptance that drew me toward them and it is what I will miss most.
chris locke
left a message on September 20, 2018:
Don,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Amy. Whenever I met her at various events, I was always taken by her energy and joy she had for her business and for life. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Chris Locke
I am so sorry to hear the news about Amy. Whenever I met her at various events, I was always taken by her energy and joy she had for her business and for life. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Chris Locke
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Pat Eriksen
left a message on September 20, 2018:
Amy was an above and beyond type person. She made friends easily but also cherished her friendships. She would always keep in touch to keep a warm and loving friendship. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to her family and all who knew her. Pat Eriksen
Robert Bove
left a message on September 19, 2018:
Amy has such a beautiful soul, heaven will be lucky to have her.
left a message on September 18, 2018:
Amy will be missed in our community. Our
condolences to Don and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Bob and Jean Antonelli, neighbors
condolences to Don and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Bob and Jean Antonelli, neighbors
Lorie Webber
left a message on September 16, 2018:
Don, our hearts are with you. Let us know if you need anything.
Lorie Webber
left a message on September 16, 2018:
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Leslie Carol Lindsay
left a message on September 15, 2018:
Amy was someone i first met as a child in the care of her Mother ,Edna Graves.Amy grew to be a gifted and hospitable hostess at her bed and breakfast. When i attended the reception /party in honor of her mother's life +passing at the Blue Hen bed and breakfaxt, i was able to sample many of her delicious baked desserts. Especially her mother's pineapple upside -down cake. A big thank you to her and Don for their hospitality.My sincerest condolences to Bob "Robby" Gaves, and Holly (Graves)Hanson for their kindness to me as children, and as the special and talented adults they became. My deepest condolences to Don, for the loss of your beloved Amy.
Joan Gennarini
left a message on September 14, 2018:
Beautiful Soul and Spirit. May Amy continue to comfort her family and friends from above and provide nourishment too. Lots of love sweet child and thanks for your enthusiastic smile, amazing baked goods, hospitality, and friendship.
Claudia Todd
left a message on September 14, 2018:
Words cannot begin to describe how sad I am at your passing. Your smile was so bright. It will be even brighter in Heaven.
Marilyn Del Duca
left a message on September 13, 2018:
Amy was an exceptional person, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. She was an exceptional baker, and the beloved host of our Wonder Women teas at the beautiful Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast! She was an inspiration to many, and will be greatly missed. I'm so sorry to miss her Celebration of LIfe - I will be out of town next weekend ... unfortunately it is not something I can change. Deepest condolences to Don and Amy's family on your loss. My prayers are with you all. Though she's gone from us physically, Amy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew & loved her.
Em Squared
left a message on September 12, 2018:
Thank you AMEs fer being the Wonder Woman!
Linda Stapleford
left a message on September 12, 2018:
Amy was a welcoming and consummate hostess - even to any furry friends who came to the Paws for People events at her home. Her upbeat personality was evident even in the last week of her life. She will be missed by many,
Samuel L Waltz Jr
left a message on September 12, 2018:
My wife Sandi and I send prayers "for the Peace that Passeth Understanding" to Amy's family.
Amy was a fine person, a fine woman, and I was privileged to know her in passing in the Delaware business community for some 20 years or so. it was about 6 months ago when I learned at a Chamber event that Amy had cancer. Several of us there, outside a business on the sidewalk, took her in a circle and lifted her up to God in a group prayer that His will might be done, that she might be healed and find peace in her situation, and that Amy's path might be a loving one.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
Amy was a fine person, a fine woman, and I was privileged to know her in passing in the Delaware business community for some 20 years or so. it was about 6 months ago when I learned at a Chamber event that Amy had cancer. Several of us there, outside a business on the sidewalk, took her in a circle and lifted her up to God in a group prayer that His will might be done, that she might be healed and find peace in her situation, and that Amy's path might be a loving one.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Clare & Steve Makowski
left a message on December 16, 2018:
Amy, we are shocked you are gone but you will not be forgotten. You had a vibrant personality that drew people to you and you were extremely intelligent.
We were lucky to be able to go to your clam bake parties and a party at your B&B . Your husband was so gracious to take me around and show me all the furniture and the paintings and his work and you took me around and showed me a lot of other things from the past and present that you had collected. You had a great group of close friends & you loved your animals. But mostly you finally met the love of your life and vise versa. You left a mark on a lot of people in this town that was once small but huge now - Newark Delaware. Remembering you for ever Clare & Steve
We were blessed to know you and meet Donald - May his heart heal with time.
Much Love and condolences
We were lucky to be able to go to your clam bake parties and a party at your B&B . Your husband was so gracious to take me around and show me all the furniture and the paintings and his work and you took me around and showed me a lot of other things from the past and present that you had collected. You had a great group of close friends & you loved your animals. But mostly you finally met the love of your life and vise versa. You left a mark on a lot of people in this town that was once small but huge now - Newark Delaware. Remembering you for ever Clare & Steve
We were blessed to know you and meet Donald - May his heart heal with time.
Much Love and condolences
Cher Finnan
left a message on October 1, 2018:
Don, I just learned that your dear Amy lost the battle. I had known that she was sick but yet had not seen her in the past few months. I met Amy through an invitation to a Wonder Women Tea Party in your home and B&B and it was as if we had known each other forever. She was always such a kind and gracious hostess. We shared so many common interests: historic houses, hospitality, connecting people and our beloved fur family members. She was a bright light and her energy will remain.
Barbara and Steven Pettinella
left a message on September 22, 2018:
Amy was a true friend o everyone that knew her. She was a master at connecting people and was one of the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever known. We will miss you Amy! Our hearts and prayers go out to Don. May the lord keep you in his heart and prayers. Amy, I know you are doing some awesome networking in heaven!
Paul Rada
left a message on September 21, 2018:
Amy was a friend, even if you didn't know her. When I first met her, and Don, I was welcomed as if I was an old friend that they'd not seen in years. It was that kind of acceptance that drew me toward them and it is what I will miss most.
chris locke
left a message on September 20, 2018:
Don,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Amy. Whenever I met her at various events, I was always taken by her energy and joy she had for her business and for life. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Chris Locke
I am so sorry to hear the news about Amy. Whenever I met her at various events, I was always taken by her energy and joy she had for her business and for life. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Chris Locke
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Pat Eriksen
left a message on September 20, 2018:
Amy was an above and beyond type person. She made friends easily but also cherished her friendships. She would always keep in touch to keep a warm and loving friendship. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to her family and all who knew her. Pat Eriksen
Robert Bove
left a message on September 19, 2018:
Amy has such a beautiful soul, heaven will be lucky to have her.
left a message on September 18, 2018:
Amy will be missed in our community. Our
condolences to Don and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Bob and Jean Antonelli, neighbors
condolences to Don and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Bob and Jean Antonelli, neighbors
Lorie Webber
left a message on September 16, 2018:
Don, our hearts are with you. Let us know if you need anything.
Lorie Webber
left a message on September 16, 2018:
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Leslie Carol Lindsay
left a message on September 15, 2018:
Amy was someone i first met as a child in the care of her Mother ,Edna Graves.Amy grew to be a gifted and hospitable hostess at her bed and breakfast. When i attended the reception /party in honor of her mother's life +passing at the Blue Hen bed and breakfaxt, i was able to sample many of her delicious baked desserts. Especially her mother's pineapple upside -down cake. A big thank you to her and Don for their hospitality.My sincerest condolences to Bob "Robby" Gaves, and Holly (Graves)Hanson for their kindness to me as children, and as the special and talented adults they became. My deepest condolences to Don, for the loss of your beloved Amy.
Joan Gennarini
left a message on September 14, 2018:
Beautiful Soul and Spirit. May Amy continue to comfort her family and friends from above and provide nourishment too. Lots of love sweet child and thanks for your enthusiastic smile, amazing baked goods, hospitality, and friendship.
Claudia Todd
left a message on September 14, 2018:
Words cannot begin to describe how sad I am at your passing. Your smile was so bright. It will be even brighter in Heaven.
Marilyn Del Duca
left a message on September 13, 2018:
Amy was an exceptional person, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. She was an exceptional baker, and the beloved host of our Wonder Women teas at the beautiful Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast! She was an inspiration to many, and will be greatly missed. I'm so sorry to miss her Celebration of LIfe - I will be out of town next weekend ... unfortunately it is not something I can change. Deepest condolences to Don and Amy's family on your loss. My prayers are with you all. Though she's gone from us physically, Amy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew & loved her.
Em Squared
left a message on September 12, 2018:
Thank you AMEs fer being the Wonder Woman!
Linda Stapleford
left a message on September 12, 2018:
Amy was a welcoming and consummate hostess - even to any furry friends who came to the Paws for People events at her home. Her upbeat personality was evident even in the last week of her life. She will be missed by many,
Samuel L Waltz Jr
left a message on September 12, 2018:
My wife Sandi and I send prayers "for the Peace that Passeth Understanding" to Amy's family.
Amy was a fine person, a fine woman, and I was privileged to know her in passing in the Delaware business community for some 20 years or so. it was about 6 months ago when I learned at a Chamber event that Amy had cancer. Several of us there, outside a business on the sidewalk, took her in a circle and lifted her up to God in a group prayer that His will might be done, that she might be healed and find peace in her situation, and that Amy's path might be a loving one.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
Amy was a fine person, a fine woman, and I was privileged to know her in passing in the Delaware business community for some 20 years or so. it was about 6 months ago when I learned at a Chamber event that Amy had cancer. Several of us there, outside a business on the sidewalk, took her in a circle and lifted her up to God in a group prayer that His will might be done, that she might be healed and find peace in her situation, and that Amy's path might be a loving one.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.