Velma S. Decker

POUGHKEEPSIE - Velma S. Decker, 93, a Poughkeepsie resident since 1938, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Mrs. Decker was one of the original Schoolteachers at the Ralph R. Smith Elementary School in Hyde Park. She taught second grade for 24 years and retired in 1977. Velma also taught in Milo, Maine before being married. She was a member and Past Secretary of the Dutchess County Retired Teacher's Assoc., and a member of the Dutchess Garden Study Club, the Vassar Bros. Hospital Auxiliary, the Hyde Park Chapter of AARP, and the Antique Study Club. Velma enjoyed gardening, antiques, and having lunch with friends. In her younger years, she liked to travel. She was a member of the Milo Baptist Church. Born in Kenduskeag, Maine on June 19, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Edgar D. and Alice Colwell Salley. A graduate of Farmington Normal School in Farmington, Maine, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from SUNY at New Paltz. On June 15, 1935 in Milo, Maine, she married Roger N. Decker. He predeceased her on June 11, 1975. Survivors include her daughter, Salley Decker of Poughkeepsie; sister-in-law, Helen Salley of Hudson, NH; brother-in-law, Rev. Robert C. Decker Sr. of Rumney, NH; six nieces; six nephews; a cousin, Clayton Reeves of Charleston, ME; and many friends. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Norris, Mahlon, and Vernard Salley. Calling Hours will be from 1 to 3 pm, Monday, April 2nd, 2007 at Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 3 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Robert Thompson - Gee will be officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Evergreen Cemetery in Milo, Maine. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Assoc., 3 Winners Circle, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12205, or, the American Heart Assoc., 301 Manchester Rd., Suite 105, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. To send a condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.