Priscilla E. (Pettie) Eckert
OBITUARY
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
After 93 years of good and faithful service, Priscilla Eleanor (Pettie) Krufka Eckert – devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and philanthropist – went home to her heavenly Father on November 20, 2025.
Pettie was the daughter and youngest child of seven to William, Sr. and Emeline (Ogg) Tait. She was predeceased by Edward F. Krufka, Sr. (husband), Terry D. Eckert (husband), her parents and six siblings: Gladys Tait, Marjorie Minnich, Dorothy Hoffner Folk, Ann Kilmer, Lois Hunter and William F. Tait Jr., granddaughter Stephanie Krufka, four brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law. Pettie’s sister, Lois, once wrote about their father’s prestigious position as Public Relations and Advertising Director of Dorney Park. The family was often recognized in public, especially, the beautiful “Tait Girls.”
Pettie leaves behind her greatest legacy: six children – Edward Krufka Jr. (Lavinia), Michael Krufka (Brenda), Andrew Krufka, Theresa Podguski (Richard), Katherine Janis and Margaret Ciliberti (Michael); Andrew Eckert (Jean), Susy Shea (Andrew) and Sandy Roberts (Daniel); 21 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless more friends who will consider themselves (rightfully so!) – family.
After high school, Pettie worked at Hess Brothers as a sales clerk and model, and later went to work for PP&L, before marrying Ed Krufka, a Western Electric Engineer, and renowned Wresting Coach in Berks County. Sadly, Ed passed away in 1980 at the age of 47, leaving Pettie as a young widow of 6 children. Putting her trust in God, friends and family, Pettie moved forward in faith.
Pettie married Terry Eckert in 1983, and they spent 38 happy years together, blending their families to create something new and beautiful – supporting and celebrating nine children and eventually 22 grandchildren between.
Most likely influenced by her older (Tait) sisters, Pettie liked etiquette, formal invitations, and was proper when the occasion demanded such. That said, Pettie adored surprise guests who would stop in, fly in, and pop in unannounced, greeting them with a hot meal, a “pull-your-chair-up-and-tell-me-what-you’ve-been-up-to” attitude, and the rumor is that there was never a home or a dining room table more love-worn and used than Pettie’s. In fact, a sign hung in her kitchen that read: “Of all the places I serve my guests, they always like my kitchen best.”
Pettie was a committed philanthropist and volunteer, giving her time and treasure to many causes dear to her heart, including Catholic Charities, and of course, cooking for the priests at her home parishes of Holy Guardian Angels, and later St. Joseph the Worker.
She will be missed, but more importantly she will be remembered.
Services: Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield. Viewing will be held 6-8 PM Monday at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown, and 10-11 AM Tuesday in the church. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Priscilla’s memory to: St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund.