'She Will Be Missed Terribly'

Judi Eichelberger passed away Tuesday leaving behind a devastated  family, and a community that continues to rally around them.

The Tims Memorial Presbyterian and Lutz Home Church member found out a few days before Christmas that she had an aortic aneurysm, family friend and spokeswoman Elizabeth Bergeron said. She was scheduled for surgery that doctors thought would correct the problem on Dec. 27, but came down with the flu.

The surgery was delayed once, then again. But complications arose, Eichelberger was malnourished from the flu, and two surgeries later, "she just never came back," Bergeron said.

Eichelberger turned 70 while in intensive care, Bergeron said. She passed away Jan. 15, 2013.

But the family was blessed. This is a story that shows the incredible support of being acting as the hands and feet of God, she said.

"I have witnessed a group of people leaping into action without thought."

The family was at the hospital for 12 days, around the clock, and they were never alone. Whatever they needed, the community provided, she said.

"There was just an incredible outpouring from these people," Bergeron said.

Eichelberger, an area resident for 23 years, leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Frank "Ike" Eichelberger; daughter, Pamelyn Eichelberger; three sons, Kevin O' Neill and his wife, Julie, James O' Neill and his wife, Melissa, and Trevor Von Eichelberger; two brothers, Tom Stivers and Robbie Stivers; one sister, Pamela Tiedebohl; and five grandchildren: Mathew, Megan, Riann, Darby and Aubrey.

"She will be missed terribly," Bergeron said.

The family did not have life insurance, so in lieu of flowers, any donations to help cover the costs of funeral expenses would be very helpful to the family, she said.

Donations can be mailed to:

Frank and Pam Eichelberger

8344 Bluevine Sky Drive

Land O' Lakes, Florida 34637

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at Tims Memorial Presbyterian, 601 Sunset Lane in Lutz.

A reception will follow at the Bergerons' home, 16619 Blenheim Drive in Lutz.