Mary Lou Eckam, 84, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Mary Lou Austin was born on April 24, 1936, in Rochester, NY to David and Ina Lou (Whalin) Austin. Mary Lou graduated from Rush Henrietta High School in Rochester, NY with the class of 1954. After high school, Mary Lou started working as a secretary for Pfaudler Manufacturing plant in Rochester, NY. In the early 1960’s, she met and married John Eckam in New York. To this union three children were born John David, Daniel James, and Cindy Lou. The family moved to Dallas, TX in 1969. Mary Lou was a homemaker for a few years before working as a secretary for AIG. The couple later divorced, and in 1997, Mary Lou moved to the Detroit Lakes, MN area to be closer to her daughter and only grandchild.

Mary Lou was a devout Christian and enjoyed writing songs, poetry, singing, sewing and baking.

Deeply loved, Mary Lou’s passing is mourned by her son Daniel Eckam; daughter Cindy Lou (Shawn) Gray; and only grandson Derek T. Gray.

She is preceded in death by her parents; infant son John David Eckam; and sister June Hagen.