Embracing life in the wake of tragedy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Beverly Eckert taught her family how to embrace life in the wake of tragedy.

Beverly Eckert's family is trying to cope with tragedy for a second time. Her husband Sean Rooney was killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. She was coming to Buffalo to celebrate his birthday with her sisters and to award a scholarship at Canisius High School in her husband's memory.

Karen Eckert, Beverly's sister, said, "There was just laughter in her voice talking all the time throughout the week about what we were going to do and how we're going to do it."

After 9/11, she became an advocate for the victim's families. Now, her family is pulling on her strength then to get through this now.

"She said Sean faced death with calm courage and it calmed her. She gave us a gift because she did this already and she was not afraid of death."

The family is reflecting on Beverly's talents. There's the mug she made, inscribed with the words "Do all you can in the time that you have."

There are also her paintings that she made for her sisters.

The family believes she is now re-united with Sean.

"I think she is at peace. She was not afraid of death adn she looked at it as a way to probably be reunited with Sean," said Susan Bourque, Beverly's sister.

Beverly lived life with vigor and determination. She was an inspiration for all who knew her.

Ray Eckert, Beverly's brother, said, "There was no fence that was too high, no pit that was too deep, tehy would climb over it, climb out of it together or individually. She was just amazing."

Beverly Eckert was held in high esteem not just within her family, but the community and by her classmates here at Sacred Heart Academy who were planning on honoring her with the distinguished alumna award this May. Her life is over but her legacy lives on.

The family is still working on plans for a memorial service for Beverly Eckert for next weekend.