Helen Elizabeth Eckard, 87, of Leonardtown, MD passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 15, 2012 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on July 30, 1925 in Hollywood, MD., she was the daughter of the late Leo Aloysius and Violet Frances Johnson Lathroum.

Helen was the loving wife of the late Samuel K. Eckard whom she married on March 21, 1967 in Upper Marlboro, MD and who preceded her in death on June 16, 1974.

Helen is survived by her children: Shirley Conklin of Huntingtown, MD., Sherry Wood (Glenn) of Mechanicsville, MD., 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren, and niece Sandy Greenwell (Danny) of Hollywood, MD. Mrs. Eckard is also survived by her siblings: Lillian Anderson of Abell, MD, Theresa (Bootie) Knight of Loveville, MD., Catherine (Gertie) Burke of Bowie, MD., Wallace Lathroum, Beanie Lathroum both of Leonardtown, MD., Jimmy Lathroum of Abell, MD, and Mary C. Kelley of Compton, MD.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Estelle Farrell of Avenue, MD., Agnes (Doll) Card of Baltimore, MD., and Margaret C. Quade of Hollywood, MD.

Helen was a waitress for the Pacific Restaurant in South East Washington. DC. Mrs. Eckard enjoyed gardening, bingo, and helping others at Cedar Lane Apartments, most people called her the angel of Cedar Lane.

The family will received friends on Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 10:30 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Father John Dakes officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD. Pallbearers will be: Glenn Wood, Danny Greenwell, Bill Knott, Rick Wood, Joseph Hall, and Ryan Greenwell.

Contributions may be made to the Cedar Lane Apartments 22680 Cedar Lane Court Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.