Anne Marie Eichler

The last line of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, taken by all nurses, concludes with these words: "...as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service for human welfare." Aspirational words, like these, mean nothing unless they lead to and guide action. Anne Eichler attended Byrd High School and Northwestern University, receiving a BSN degree. She was the oldest in a family of three to younger brother, Johnny Barnes Eichler, Jr. and sister Kathleen Rose Keith. Anne was a Registered Nurse and was a missioner of health and for three decades devoted herself to the children of the Pediatric ICU at LSU Health Science Center. More significantly, she was a mother and equally devoted to her four children that she had with the late Philip Bancroft. She loved to bike, waterski and especially run. Anne was creative, always working on a craft, whether it was making jewelry or macramé creations for the kids and their friends. She had a passion for photography, visually documenting her and her children's journey through life. She was famous for her homemade cookies, which were a gift to all who knew her. For a time, she lived in the country when she was married to Tim Heffern. She enjoyed gardening and had a reputable green thumb. She let the children have whatever pet they wanted - guinea pigs, birds, cats, goats... and the dogs, always dogs, including Rhiannon, a shelter dog she rescued and with whom she last shared her home. She was happiest opening up her home and cooking for her children and their friends, especially during Mardi Gras. Birthdays were always important. She would go to what some would say extraordinary lengths - including organizing the neighbors so Meredith and her friends could trick-or-treat on her birthday, October 27. Her children will also tell you that she was passionate. Watching television with Anne was not a passive activity. She frequently coached LSU and Saints football through the TV, with great enthusiasm and strongly expressed opinions. She did her job with that same passion. She was hard working, serious and intense. She did not hesitate to advocate for her patients. Her reputation let others know she was not to be challenged when it came to patient care Ian Ross, the youngest, was most like his mom - kind, caring with a strong desire to serve - and was thought to be the most likely to follow in his mother's path. Yet, Ian is the only one of the four children not to go into nursing. He graduated in International Trade and Finance. Meredith Hope, the oldest, shares her mother's love for music and caring for children. She received her BSN and for a time worked along side her mother as a registered nurse on the pediatric floor at LSU. Hannah Kathryn is also a BSN registered nurse- her siblings credit Hannah with receiving her mother's temperament, a hardworking fireball who is deeply committed to her patients. Alex Ross originally set his course to become a Geologist. His mother's example and devotion to serve others compelled him to also pursue a BSN degree. Anne's devotion to her children leaves this world with four extraordinary people - missioners to health, devoted to the service of human welfare. Her children were her life and meant everything to her in this world. She enjoyed traveling with her late partner, Robert Jackson. She travelled to many places with him and shared her travels with the kids, sending numerous pictures of the beautiful places she visited. The laughter and joy he brought to her life in most recent years was something her children admired greatly. She remained friends with Philip, even after they divorced. She never let their differences affect her children whom they co-raised. She made sure holidays and other important events included Philip, with Robert, sitting at the same table - in true community. Love, unconditional love, was first to Anne and everything else was unimportant. The children will tell you what they treasured most about their mother was her unconditional love for them. They could tell her anything without fear of judgment. She let them make their own decisions. When they made the wrong choices, she supported them as they sorted out the consequences and worked toward solutions together. Anne was preceded in death by her father, John "Jack" Eicher, partner, Robert Jackson, M.D., Philip R. Bancroft father of her children and mother-in-law Kathryn Bancroft. She is survived by her mother Rosarina Eichler, who recalls Anne as a lovable and caring person for whom she loved very much. She is also survived by brother Johnny and sister-in-law Sharon, and sister Kathy. Even in death, Anne's devotion to serving the medical needs of children remains. In lieu of flowers, Anne would be honored if you would consider making a donation to either: Oschner LSU Health, Children's Hospital/Child Life Dept., 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71104 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family invites you to visitation on December 28, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the Memorial service on December 28, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Both will take place at Rose Neath Funeral Home on Marshall Street.