Montauk Pioneer - March 20, 2009 -

The 47th Friends of Erin parade in Montauk on March 22 will be honoring one of the grand dames of Montauk. Frances McDonald Ecker will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade after 25 years since her husband held the same lofty position. A behind the scenes type of woman, the beloved Frances, known as Fran to so many in town, has been a special glue that has held the fabric of Montauk charity work together for over 40 years. Perhaps 25 years ago she and her son Ed, now an East Hampton Police Captain, proudly watched her husband, Eddie Ecker, a former Town of East Hampton Supervisor, do the honors when the parade was somewhat smaller and more local. In fact the parade this year according to Joe Bloecker, the president of the Friend's of Erin, "Will be the largest ever."

When former State Senator, East Hampton Town Supervisor, war hero, and former Grand Marshall John Behan was asked why Frances Ecker, he didn't have to think twice. "Why Frances? First she is a legend in the community with all her charity work; she has been so very helpful and so often overlooked. We selected her so this community can show our respect and love for Frances."

Behan went on to say that the secret behind the magic and effectiveness of Eddie Ecker Sr. was that, "Every great man has a great woman behind him and for Eddie that was Frances." Bloecker was also all full of praise, saying her work for the Montauk Public School was devout. He mentioned her devotion and dedication in helping launch the Montauk Food Pantry Outreach Program. He added, "She's been a great asset to Montauk all these years, its great that's she gets to be the Grand Marshal25 years after her husband."

Maureen Keller, the president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Friend's of Erin, while she was very busy working the cash box at the Corned Beef Dinner at the Montaukett last Saturday evening, said, "When I think of Fran I think of a woman who is there for others with no questions asked."

That seemed to be a theme of all asked, as Behan said, "She always has been there for needy families, quietly, discreetly, never looking for credit."

When interviewed at the Montauket last Saturday night in front of the cameras Fran Ecker said, "It was a great honor," adding, "I hope we have great weather. It's really special, being it's been 25 years since my husband was the Grand Marshal."

When asked if she was marching, she said no, she was going to be driven in a car, and was going to wear the traditional hat, along with some warm clothing. Talking with Ecker I could sense the strength, the sereneness as well as the modesty she is famous for. She is a true child of Montauk being a member of the McDonald Family, "a distinguished old Montauk family," is how Behan called it. When she went around the Montauket to greet old friends the genteel manner in which she looked into every single person's eyes told you the trust all had in her.

Montauk through the years has been through a lot during Ecker's lifetime. It has slowly changed from a post World War II naval base, back to the sleepy fishing village it was when Carl Fisher decided to make it, "The Miami of the north." Yet while so many changes were happening one thing was constant, Ecker's commitment to help others. Her truest sense of Christian charity, her understanding of the word community and how important it is for everyone to do his or her part in caring about their neighbors especially the one's less fortunate. It has been her quiet, sacred example of how doing things diligently behind the scenes, without the spotlight on her or her efforts that has inspired so many to say only the kindest words about her selection.

There is no doubt that when she drives the route of the parade she will think back to that day 25 years ago when her husband had the very same honor she now has as being the Grand Marshal.

He will be there with her as he always has been since his passing. They were a team and now she honors his memory as the town honors her for the contributions made to Montauk with no expectations of anything to be given back. She has always been the true Christian doing the work of a caring soul, seeing the needs of neighbors and doing something quietly, quickly and effectively without any hesitation. When she drives by in the parade, go ahead and give a wave and a salute back.