Carlene B. Eckroade

August 11, 1938 - April 23, 2020

Carlene was smart, curious and academically successful. The salutatorian of her high school class, she went on to earn a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from the University of Delaware, and a M.S. Degree in Information Sciences from Drexel University. Carlene committed much of her adult life not only to raising three children and working full time, but also to completing her advanced education while in her 50s. She had a successful career as a research chemist and information scientist, which concluded at the Cecil College library where Carlene was instrumental in transitioning from the old index card catalogs to a fully automated library information management system. As a young girl, Carlene spent time in the closed city of Oak Ridge, TN during World War II where her father worked as part of the Manhattan Project effort to build uranium enrichment facilities for the atomic bomb.

Carlene had a great passion for astronomy and an unfulfilled life-long dream to go to the moon. A rare person who only saw the good in others; Carlene will be remembered most for her love, generosity and kindness to family, friends, and the many animals that enriched her life.

Carlene is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 64 years, Dr. Robert J. Eckroade; three children: Robert “Bob” Eckroade, Jr. and his wife, Sheila, William (Bill) Eckroade and his wife Teresa and Sherri Lynn Trossbach and her husband, Leonard; five grandchildren: Madison Eckroade, Andrew Clamp, Nolan Eckroade, Collin Eckroade and Leah Mays; brother, Roger Burton and sister, Joann McColl; son-in-law Tony Clamp; and dear friend Madonna Warters.

Services for Carlene will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

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Carlene Burton Eckroade of Rising Sun, MD, age 81, passed away at home on Thursday, April 23, 2020. She was born in Moberly, MO on August 11,1938 to the late Carl Tony Burton and Pansy Marie (Kirkendoll) Burton. Carlene was smart, curious and academically successful. The salutatorian of her high school class, she went onContinue Reading

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Roger, so sorry to hear about your sister. I was in the band with you. I always admired and thought a lot of your friendship. Barbara Jean Stone Schlegel. Saw you in Too Gun

I was a year behind Carlene i the Cradock High School band. She was smart, a good musician, an accomplished student and beautiful. I send my deepest sympathy to her family and many friends who grieve her loss. May she be remembered for her kindness and may she rest in peace.

Such a Gentle Soul and the Heart of an Angel. Your Love, Strength and Patience touched so many of our lives in so many ways. A true Guardian Angel. Thank you for being the Strength I needed.

A great time at the Orioles Game

The time Grandma did a lemon drop shot.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Deepest sympathies you are in our prayers

I am so saddened to hear of your passing, though relieved you can finally rest. I remember meeting you for the first time how welcoming you were; how warm and caring and accepting. You sat and talked about farming with me, just a young guy with simple aspirations and had no judgements. You always welcomed me back though my relationship with the family changed and were just one of the sweetest souls I've been fortunate enough to connect with. I already miss you, and we will catch up one day in heaven.

Carlene was such a lovely, kind and sweet woman. I met her and all the Eckroade family when I was about 13 years old. They always made everyone feel welcome and you were treated like their family. Through the years her sister-in-law, Sandy, and I have been friends. She used to watch their children and brother Bill's as well, in the summers and they were able to take some amazing and wonderful vacations. We have so many stories about their children. We always had so much fun, Sandy really has some tales on all of them. I know she will miss Carlene very much. I know her passing will be very hard on Bob and the entire family. They had such a wonderful life together. Please cherish and pass on all of your memories for I know she would truly love that. All of you stick together as you always have and have a celebration of Carlene's life. RIP Carlene, until we meet again in Heaven.

It was a great joy to know Carlene and her family. She will certainly be missed by all. I enjoyed helping when the family farm was getting established and the awesome meals Carlene provided. Carlene is leaving a wonderful legacy through her family she has raised and loved over the many years. My thoughts are with you all during these very difficult times. All my love, Jim (Alfie) Alfieri, Family Friend

I remember when I first met Carlene she made me feel like family right away. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She was so funny, and I laughed with her a lot. We would talk for hrs sometimes and she would always ask how I was doing. She really cared about people. I was very lucky to have known her. She had a heart of gold. I will miss her very much.

I feel so grateful that before the states locked down travel I was able to visit and spend a week with Carlene recently. She was the sister I never had and always tried to make me feel better when I was down. We always shared a soft spot for our children, grandchildren and animals and I will think of her as I continue to spoil them all. She was always interested in how my kids and grandkids were doing, even though we didn't see each other often and I will always be thankful for her caring heart. It was a beautiful thing to witness her love and devotion to my brother. She will truly be missed.

Carlene:
It's been an honor and privilege to help take care of you. You were more than a friend you were a mother to me. You were the most wonderful person I have ever known. You were always there, your kindness, your willingness, your soft heart was so much appreciated.
It's been said that you've never lost your best friend until you've lost your mother and that is so true. In the wee hours of Thursday we lost you. Though your battle here on earth has come to an end, you will live on forever in our hearts. Rest In Peace, Carlene... we've got it from here.

We met Carlene when her husband was attending the U of Ga. And was working part time at Sears, where I worked. He was not used to large animals and since we raised hogs and Bill's mom had cows, he soon was out here almost every week end, working. Carlene and Bob, Jr. And Billy would get to come on Sunday's. Of course, she was working, taking courses at the U of Ga. And taking care of a family so she didn't have much spare time. We always enjoyed the time we got to spend with her. Several years ago we were able to drive out to their home in Rising Sun and had a very enjoyable week end with them. We have not traveled much in the past few years, so haven't seen them in a while now. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.

Words can never begin to say how much Carlene touched my heart and life in this last year. I was never so honored to be able to spend meaningful days with such a beautiful person. So loving, caring, thoughtful and fun to be with! She has touched my life beyond words......! It hurts so much just thinking about her and how my life will be at a loss without her. I truly looked forward to seeing her each day. Will never forget episodes of the Andy Griffith show we watched daily. She was a beautiful person! I will truly miss her beyond words. She will carry on in my heart in spirit! I will never forget how she touched my life in the year I was Blessed with her. My deepest sympathy to her husband Bob, Sons- Bob and Bill and my dearest friend Sherry ( they're families and children), Tony, JoAnne, Rodger and extended family!!!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.