Patricia Eckstein Breuer

Loving wife and mother, Patricia “Pat” Eckstein Breuer, age 90, of Centreville, DE passed away peacefully on November 26th, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Basco and Paoli, WI, she was the daughter of the late Helen (Beckner) and John Gafke. After Patricia studied piano and voice at the University of Wisconsin, she dedicated most of her life to her family and her love of dogs. Patricia bred, raised and showed collies and was a 50-year member of the Collie Club of America. She was active at St. Mary of the Assumption Church as a member of their liturgical choir. Patricia was predeceased by her first husband, William A. Eckstein in 1983; her twin brother, John Gafke; son John W. Eckstein; and her grandson, John W. Eckstein II.

Patricia also had interests outside of her family and collies. She traveled, loved to cook, helped husband John with the gardening, volunteered at the Red Cross and animal rescue, played piano and organ, and never met a game of Euchre she didn’t like. A warm summer day often found her in her ideal setting: sitting in the gazebo, glass of wine in hand, surrounded by her family and dogs.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 32 years, John S. Breuer Jr., of Centreville, DE; sister Joyce Noble of Hawaii; her sons: Thomas A. Eckstein (Deborah) of Minneapolis, MI and Robert C. Eckstein (Patricia) of Newberry, SC; her daughter, Dr. Barbara A. Eckstein of Clifton, VA; and her grandchildren, William R. Eckstein and Adrian McCullough. She is also survived by her beloved collies Dillon, Harley, Daniel, and Cash.

A visitation will be held on Monday December 10th from 10 A.M to 11 A.M followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Food Bank of Delaware at: https://www.fbd.org. Contributions may also be made to Best Friends Animal Rescue and Adoption Center at: https://utah.bestfriends.org. Online condolences may be made at mealeyfuneralhomes.com.