Obituary
Guest Book
Lillian Kleckner Eckert McKibben passed away peacefully on February 26, 2014. Lillian was born in Decatur, Michigan on July 20, 1912, one of three children born to Vivian Lamar and Irma Main Rosewarne. Over a span of 101 years, Lillian's life was a beautiful mosaic of loving wife and mother, involved servant to her community and adventurous traveler of the world. As a resident of Dunedin since 1939 and in her subsequent travels, Lillian touched the lives of many, many people, invariably with warmth, charm, humor and a soft spoken grace that belied her inner strength and adventurous spirit. Lillian earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1932, a noteworthy achievement for a young lady at the time. Having settled in Dunedin, she was employed by Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater from 1962 until her retirement in 1978, rising to the position of Head Dietitian. Lillian was a member of numerous civic organizations in Dunedin including, the Caladesi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Zonta International and the Zonta Club of Upper Pinellas County, and Eastern Star #132. She was a life member of the Dunedin Historical Society and was a member of the Chi Omega Alumni Association. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin. Following retirement and spurred by a motorcycle tour of Cuba in 1955, Lillian set out to see the world, and did she ever! Her travels took her from the heights of Machu Picchu to the savannahs of Kenya. At intervals, she traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Turkey, the Great Wall of China and the Galapagos Islands. Lillian was pre-deceased by her three husbands – Dr. O. Frank Kleckner, an obstetrician at Mease Hospital in Dunedin; Edward H. Eckert, former Mayor of Dunedin, and Wendell R. McKibben, a professional educator. She is survived by her daughters, Myra Caldwell (Aiken, SC) and Irma Anderson (Dunedin, FL); grandchildren Ruth, Esther, Martha, Rebecca, Annette and Jeffrey, and great grandchildren Kaley, Amanda, Emily, Nathaniel, Marina, Caldwell Sebastian, Gabriel, Katie and Allison; step-daughter Susan Eckert Lewis (Jacksonville Beach, FL) and family; step-daughter Mary McKibben Anderson (Ames, IA) and family; step-son Roger Eckert (Claremont, CA) and family; step-son Ronald McKibben (Rochester, MN) and family. A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7th at 4:00-6:00 pm at Moss Feaster Dunedin Chapel, 1320 Main Street, Dunedin. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 am. Graveside will follow at Dunedin Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 25, 2014
Sarah (Cissy) Dixon Erb
Miss Lillian was truly an admirable lady. I considered her a dear friend and trusted mentor. She was intelligent, caring, greatly respected and loved, but most of all, she was a whole lot of fun.
You'll be missed.
March 24, 2014
Jeri Antozzi
Lillian was a lifetime member of the NSDAR and she was my mentor as Curator for the Caladesi Chapter, NSDAR when I joined. Lillian made the job fun. Lillian had so much energy and always a smile on her face. She will be missed! Prayers to her family.
March 17, 2014
Phil Brown
I have many memories of Lillian's kindness, concern and seemingly boundless energy. Having first met her in the mid 60's , she treated me like family (which I soon became). When I got out of the Army, she generously let me stay in one of the famous “little cottages” until I got organized in college. She followed that up with free rent for a year in a “cottage house” following my marriage. I was coming up in the world!
I remember having many great (and healthy) meals at her house, she was a dietician after all.
Always a smile on her face even though our grandchildren were a pain sometimes. On reflection, I realize the uniqueness of her quiet charm and calmness, while she was the ultimate hostess, during the many holidays we were together. Always had a kind word to say, Lillian seemed genuinely interested in what was going on in our lives and was there if we needed help.
When I found myself working in Pinellas County with a house and my family in the middle of the state, she graciously offered her home and we got to know each other as roommates for a time.
When sorrow and tragedy came in my life, I could feel her sadness, her concern for me and gentle encouragement to keep going.
A beautiful soul, I will always fondly remember Lillian.
March 12, 2014
Anita Lanagan
To Lillian's Family -- Your Mother was a MARVEL!! I only knew her thru her volunteer work at the Dunedin Historical Museum and then our Zonta affiliation but from day one I always thought . . . What a wonderful roll model for young women! Her easy smile and comforting voice were only surpassed by her generous heart. You are truly fortunate to have had her so intimately in your life.
March 10, 2014
Janine Brown
Lillian was an amazing woman. Her quiet strength was a thing of beauty.
March 3, 2014
To Lillian's family, I'm deeply sorry to hear of her death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mary Ann Man (Oldsmar, Fl)
March 3, 2014
Melissa Gaines
Annette, Irma, and girls, sorry for your loss. I am glad you have so many wonderful beautiful memories of her life. All of you are in our prayers.
Love, Ronnie, Melissa, and Lauren Gaines
March 2, 2014
Sue Orton
Dear Irma & Family -
She was a true blessing to my Grandpa. I loved her quiet disposition and sense of humor. A honor to have known her.
Sue Orton, Sarasota
March 2, 2014
Linda Woodland Sherman
Irma and family, I am so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. What a rich and wonderful life she lived. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent at "the cottages". Enjoy all the wonderful memories and may God help to easy your aching heart.
March 2, 2014
Deepest sympathy for your loss. She lived a long life. May that be of comfort to you during this difficult time.
March 2, 2014
Sally Brizzi
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Funeral services provided by:
Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation - Dunedin1320 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more