Community leader Mary Alice Eckstrom died March 29 of lymphoma. She was 63 years old.
Alice Eckstrom, as she was known, served her community through the League of Mexican-American Women, Catholic Community Services and St. Ambrose Catholic School, among other organizations. She was the mother of Jennifer Eckstrom, South Tucson's Mayor, and the wife of Dan Eckstrom, former mayor.
Alice Eckstrom was known for working behind the scenes. She was an "unheralded" person who supported a family committed to public services. At the funeral the community came together to share stories about her, said Enrique Serna, city manager.
"She generated a lot of goodwill among a lot of people," Serna said. "It was a real blessing to attend the funeral. We get to pay that forward."
Serna had the good fortune of forming a personal relationship with Eckstrom that was based in spirituality. Many people formed relationships with her, he said.
"I know her family will continue to nurture these relationships."
In addition to her husband and daughter, Eckstrom is survived by her son Daniel Eckstrom.
Her family could not be reached for comment.
