Sandra Mae Decker-Manship

DECKER-MANSHIP Sandra Mae passed away peacefully on October 28, 2010 to join her Heavenly Father, after many years of courageously fighting cancer. Sandra spent the past few years successfully facing her battle with cancer at the home of her father, Keith M. Decker, of Torrance, California, who provided Sandra a home during this challenging time. Sandra passed away comfortably with the tender care of her caregivers, Kaiser Hospice Team, and family. Sandra was born in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, on April 18, 1948, to Keith M. and Doriene Decker. At the age of 7, Sandra moved with her family to Torrance, California. Sandra excelled in tennis at West High School. Sandra began her work as an Executive Sales Representative for Nabisco and in 1979 purchased her home in Van Nuys, California. Sandra loved entertaining her family, nieces and nephews, and friends, especially at the holidays, reading jokes and surprising us, such as when she placed gifts of swimming fish in glass bowls for each of the children to observe at the dinner table. Sandra spent time making crafts and cooking with her god-daughter, Doriene Hargrove. Sandra's caring for others began years ago as she counseled and did Bible readings with troubled people at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley. She performed on percussion instruments and strings in the Dorshire Minstrels musical group at several churches. In 1987, Sandra went on an overseas mission to Trinidad with the Grace Community Church College Department. Sandra moved to her home in Montrose in 1992, and attended Pasadena City College, graduating with her AS degree in Radiologic Technology in 1994. Sandra continued to maintain her license as a Radiologic Technologist (RT) throughout her life. Sandra relocated to Lake Forest, California, in 1999, where she purchased her final home, and continued working as a Radiologic Technologist and hosting Bible studies in her home. In 2001, Sandra was founder of her own business, "Apron Strings," and continued her work as an RT. In 2008, Sandra moved in with her father who supported her enduring challenges with cancer. Sandra attended support groups at the Wellness Community South Bay Cities, in Redondo Beach, during these challenging past two years. Sandra had many friends and people who cared for her over the years who will miss her. Sandra is survived by her father, Keith M. Decker, Brothers Vic Hewett and Keith A. Decker, Sisters Diane Garretty (Pat), and Stephanie Code (Ron), her god-daughter and niece, Doriene Hargrove, several nieces and nephews, and close relatives in Maine. Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, Doriene Decker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sandra's memory to the Wellness Community at http://wellnessandcancer.org, or the Kaiser Hospice, Harbor City, California. Those who knew and cared for Sandra are invited to attend her service on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 4pm at Rice Mortuary Chapel, 5310 Torrance Boulevard, in Torrance, California. Please go to the mortuary's website, Rice Mortuary 310-792-7599