Olga Marjorie "Marjie" (Michel) Eckerd of Dagsboro passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Born on July 9, 1947, in Surabaja, Indonesia, Marjie was the eldest daughter of Irus and Yvonne (Vanderjaht) Michel. In 1951, her family immigrated to the Netherlands, and in 1955, they made their home in Wilmington, Delaware. Marjie was proud to become a naturalized United States citizen on July 5, 1963, embracing the country she would call home for the rest of her life.

Marjie graduated from A.I. duPont High School in 1965, and attended the University of Delaware, where she met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Eckerd. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and a mutual passion for music. Whether performing as a duo or with their band, Spice, Marjie and Dick found great joy in sharing their talents and bringing music to others.

A gifted performer, teacher, and mentor, Marjie devoted much of her life to the performing arts. She was actively involved with Possum Point Players, served as the owner and director of Baystar Productions, worked as a producer for the Miss Delaware Pageant, and inspired countless people as a vocal instructor.

Marjie also enjoyed a distinguished career as a real estate broker, serving clients throughout Delaware and Maryland for more than four decades. She was an active member of both the Sussex County and Delaware State Real Estate Boards and was deeply involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors, where she was awarded “Realtor of the Year”.

Marjie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Irus and Yvonne Michel, and by her devoted husband, Richard "Dick" Eckerd.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her four children, Michel Eckerd (Kathy) of North East, Maryland; Dara Eckerd Lewis (Dan) of Lutherville, Maryland; Jennifer Eckerd Jerns (David) of Ocean City, Maryland; and Elise Eckerd Dickerson (Taylor) of Dover, Delaware.

Marjie's greatest joy was her family, especially her cherished grandchildren: Madeline and Sophia Eckerd; Thomas Lewis and his fiancée, Anna Dimitriades; Nicholas Lewis; Eli, Maizy, and Harper Jerns; and Linus and Clive Dickerson. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Darja Grube, Deborah Mulrine, and Kimberly Martin, along with many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and fellow musicians whose lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and love of music.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. George's United Methodist Church in Frankford, Delaware, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Marjie's life at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. George's United Methodist Church in Frankford, Delaware, in Marjie's memory.

Marjie's beautiful voice may now be silent, but the love she shared, the music she created, and the countless lives she touched will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.