Louise P. Eccleston

In Loving Memory of Louise P. Eccleston (1/24/1956 - 9/4/2021)

Louise was one of a kind, and therefore deserves a one-of-a-kind obituary. She was never keen on formalities so I know she would want this to be written from the heart and not a template because God broke the mold when he created her.

Louise P. Eccleston departed this Earth shortly after midnight (she always did like to stay up late) on Saturday, September 4, 2021-the day of her mother's 100th birthday. She was terrified of flying, so it's safe to assume that she embarked to heaven in her beloved mini-van. Hopefully the parking spots up there are wider, because she always worried about someone dinging her car with their door.

Louise was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to her parents Joseph and Eugenia Poninski, both who preceded her in death. She had one sibling-her older brother Eugene Poninski-who she adored and loved dearly. He also preceded her in death. She got her toughness and stubbornness from her father Joe-a World War 2 veteran-and her kind heart and down-to-earth nature from her mom, Jean-who, despite having nothing herself, always opened her door to anyone in need.

Growing up on the Southside of Chicago was tough, but that was her home and she cherished the memories she had there. She often shared stories of her enjoying a malt from the soda fountain, getting in trouble with the nuns with her best friend Lydia at the Catholic school they attended, and going to the show to watch Creature Features.
Her family was her world and she would protect them at any cost. She slept with a tire thumper next to her bed in case an intruder ever made the mistake of breaking into her home-she was one 65-year-old woman you did NOT want to mess with.

Meeting her husband, Tim Eccleston, was one of the best things to ever happen to her (aside from giving birth to her two awesome daughters). They met when they lived in the same apartment complex in Dallas. Tim helped her "borrow" some lounge furniture by the pool to furnish her empty apartment. Despite his gaudy cowboy boots (that she said looked like plastic) and fear of dancing, she fell in love with his shy but sweet demeanor. Then one day he finally popped the question and romantically asked, "So uh, you wanna go pick out a wedding ring or what?".

Becoming a mother was one of Louise's fondest achievements and something she took great pride in. She loved her two daughters, Kara Eccleston and Mariah Janke, more than anything. It was important to her that she spared them from the hardships she encountered in her life so she vehemently passed on her wisdom to them. Examples of her advice include, "always keep a sock filled with rolled up quarters on you, it makes for the best weapon", "always bring a light coat with you because it might get cold", and "you don't need to buy car seat covers, just use an old beach towel".

The last blessing she received before she passed was her beautiful grandson Graydon Janke, son of Christian and Mariah Janke. Witnessing him be brought into this world filled her heart with immense joy and was an experience she'd never forget.

Aside from her family and friends, Louise loved her Polish heritage. She enjoyed cooking traditional Polish cuisine like pierogies, kielbasa with sauerkraut, and kolacky. She liked to peruse estate sales and antique stores to find relics from the 50's (her favorite era) and old kitchen utensils because "things were just made better back then." Animals also held a special place in her heart, especially German Shepherds. An animal abuser would rue the day they ever crossed her path. As she is reunited in heaven with her furry companions Goliath, Sam, Sheba, Wolfka, and Eve, she is likely complaining to the angels that they did not give them fresh water and cooked chicken often enough. Lastly, Louise loved the paranormal. She enjoyed dragging her skeptical husband along on haunted ghost tours and has probably seen every episode of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. And to no surprise, her favorite holiday was Halloween.

Louise, you will be missed dearly by your family and friends. We'll miss your thoughtfulness and kind heart, your sense of humor, your sage advice, and your one-of-a-kind personality. You weren't a "regular" mom, you were a cool mom. You will always be in our hearts and not a day will go by that we won't think of you. May you rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life for Louise will be held 5:00 PM Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Pastor Steve Loveless officiating. The family invites you to join them at the reception in the Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service wine room immediately following the service to continue honoring and remembering Louise.

In lieu of sending flowers in memory of Louise P. Eccleston, please consider donating to one of the following animal charities (or a charity of your choice):
Oklahoma Humane Society - https://okhumane.org/
Animal Aid of Tulsa - https://www.animalaid.org/
Patriot Paws - https://patriotpaws.org/