Barbara Eckert, 51, passed away at home in Medford on February 6th, 2010 , surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Medford on August 5th, 1958 to her parents John and Mary (O’Leary) DeCourcey. Barbara has been a life long resident of Medford. She is a graduate of Girls Catholic High School in Malden, Class of 1977. Barbara was a waitress at the former Bambino’s Restaurant in Medford for many years. For the past twelve years, Barbara worked for the non-profit organization Heading Home, a local homeless shelter for women and children. She began her career as a counselor and moved on to become the Assistant Director. Barbara was well known for her compassionate and caring manner to all that knew her at the shelter. In 2003, she was awarded the Shelter Incorporated Employee of the Year Award, an award given to the most deserving person in all the shelters in the State of Massachusetts. Barbara was a woman of strong faith and values. She has been a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Malden for most of her life. She is survived by her husband Richard A. Eckert of Medford; by her children Siobhan and Erin Eckert, both of Medford; by her grandson Nicholas Rebelo; and by her siblings; John DeCourcey of Saugus, Alice MacNeil of Malden, Maryellen Barron of York, ME, Joan Hennessey of Walpole and Elizabeth Baraw of Melrose. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Along with her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her son, Richard A. Eckert Jr. and by her brother Daniel DeCourcey. Relatives & friends are invited to attend her funeral from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden on Wednesday Feb. 10th at 8 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 9 AM. Services will conclude with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday February 9th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Partners Hospice, 281 Winter St., Suite 200, Waltham, MA 02451-8713.