Emma Decker

PORTSMOUTH ; Emma Elizabeth Decker, of 20 Brown St., died Monday, Oct. 27, 2008 in Portsmouth, N.H., following a brief illness.

Born Jan. 30, 1918, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., she was the fourth child of the late George and Racheda (Nasser) Decker from Hardeen, Lebanon. She was a graduate of GAR High School, Class of 1936.

Emma married Nathan T. Decker on Nov. 28, 1946. They were married for 54 years until Nathan's death in 2000.

Emma was employed as a shoe salesperson and manager by the Triangle Shoe store for 35 years. She was empathetic and spirited, and quickly developed a following among the store's clientele for her wisdom and wit. Customers often visited the store to catch up with Emma and to seek her advice. Her engaging manner, youthful sense of humor, sincere compassion and love for life, friends and family, made her a joy to be around. She maintained those qualities throughout her life.

She worshipped at St. George's Maronite Catholic Church of Wilkes-Barre and St. Sharbel Church of Portland, Ore. She was a member of the Christian Mothers/Altar Rosary Society of both parishes. She was a devout Catholic who believed in saying the Rosary daily, being present at Mass as often as physically possible, and leaving the small and large challenges of her life in the hands of God. She believed her life was directed by faith, not by sight.

Later in life, she divided her time between Portland, Ore., Portsmouth, N.H., and her home in Pennsylvania. She made lifelong friends in all the places she lived and was held in the highest regard.

Her greatest joys were being a wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her during her 90 years.

Survivors include two sons, Dr. Thomas N. Decker and his wife, Vicki Anderson Decker, of Portsmouth, N.H., the Rev. Father William T. Decker, Pastor of St. Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore.; a grandson, Dr. Nathan T. Decker, and a granddaughter, Christen L. Decker, both of Portsmouth, N.H.; two brothers, James Decker of Crofton, Md., and Robert Decker of Forty Fort, Pa.; two sisters, Agnes Brislin of Nanticoke, Pa., and Mary Cook of Edwardsville, Pa., and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Nathan; three sisters, Margaret Desciak, Sarah Luksh, Rita Schreiber and two brothers, Peter Decker and George Decker.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, from the Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service Corp., 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. A Divine Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony Maronite Church. Internment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township, Pa. Friends may call 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Church, 79 Loomis St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or Our House for Girls, Inc, a safe home for young girls at risk, 576 Central Ave, Dover, NH. 03820.

Local arrangements were made by Tasker Funeral Home.

Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits