Obituary of Mary Alice Eickstaedt

Mary Alice (Carlson) Eickstaedt, aged 80, died peacefully on October 29, 2022 at her home in Columbia.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Allen “Ike” Eickstaedt, her sons, Aaron (Judith) Fulp-Eickstaedt of Falls Church, VA and Tim “Ike” (Wendy) Eickstaedt of Austin, TX, her granddaughters, Rebecca and Martie, her nephew, Scott (Sue) Carlson, and many other dear members of her extended family. 

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Carlson and Wilhelmina (Kuecker) Carlson, her brothers, Edward and Elwood, and her niece, Kathy White.

She was born in Woodstock, Illinois on May 1, 1942 and grew up in Harvard, IL.  After graduating from Harvard High School, she went to Northern Illinois University, where she received a B.S. in Education.  She and Ike were married on September 1, 1962.  After college, they moved to Norwalk, CT where Mary Alice taught middle school until Aaron was born.  Tim was born after they moved to Winfield, IL in 1970.  The family moved to The Woodlands, TX in 1976.  She and Ike also lived for 5 years in Strawberry Plains, TN before arriving in Columbia in 1995.

In addition to her early work in teaching, Mary Alice also worked over the years as family services coordinator for an interfaith agency and as a substance abuse recovery counselor.

Mary Alice was many things: a beloved wife and mother, a devoted daughter, a loving sister and cousin, a dear Aunt Scrutz, a wonderful Gummie to her two granddaughters, and a cherished mentor and friend to many.

Mary Alice loved to laugh, to have fun, to hear or tell a good story or joke, and to play games with family.  A person of prayer and action, she was committed to her own and other’s spiritual growth and serenity.  She collected penguins, adored visiting the coast of Maine, and left behind a lasting legacy of love in so many lives, including the people she impacted through her 40 years in Alanon.  She will always be with us, just in a new way.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022 with a reception to follow, at the McGregor Presbyterian Church,  6505 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212.  In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to the charity or cause of your choice in Mary Alice’s name.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.