Cecilia Ann "Big C" Decker

James Joseph Decker, age 90, and Cecilia Ann Decker, age 88, passed away peacefully within 13 days of each other. They left behind a legacy of extraordinary love and family. Their passing, so close in time, reflected the life they had shared side by side for nearly seven decades.

They met in 1955 in San Diego, California, at a friend's wedding while serving as a groomsman and bridesmaid. What began as a simple meeting quickly grew into a lifelong partnership. They were married on October 13, 1956, beginning a journey that would span 69 remarkable years. Throughout those years, they built a home defined by laughter, devotion, and kindness. Always guided by their deep faith in God, their gentle presence and nurturing spirit touched all who knew them. Jim and Cecilia were the proud parents of four children. They are survived by three of their children, Gary, Karen, and Diane. They were preceded in death by their son Michael, whom they carried in their hearts always. Their legacy continues through their thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense joy and pride. Their union was marked by deep love, unwavering devotion, and mutual care until the very end. He affectionately called her "Big C," a nickname that reflected their playful relationship and the tenderness and closeness of their bond. Their marriage stood as a beautiful example of lifelong commitment, partnership, and enduring love. Jim began his career in 1956 as an accountant and later became a controller for a variety of companies. His professional obligations led the family to relocate from California to Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and back to California in 1969, where they finally settled in the place they loved most. Jim enjoyed walking through the mill and getting to know his employees on a personal level. Cecilia had a fulfilling professional career as a Bank of America employee for 35 years, during which time she held multiple positions and was respected for her diligence, integrity, and strong work ethic. Faith remained an integral part of their lives. Following retirement, they volunteered their time to the church and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, continuing a lifelong commitment to service and compassion. Even in later years, their devotion to God never wavered. When they could not carpool to church, they faithfully attended Mass virtually, remaining spiritually connected through online services and prayer. Jim loved reading the newspaper and completing the daily crossword puzzle, and after retirement he became an avid book reader. Cecilia loved gardening, baking, cooking, and caring for her husband. They enjoyed attending their grandchildren's sporting events and their grandson's late night jazz gigs in LA. Cecilia and Jim took great joy in staying closely connected to the lives of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were always eager to hear about the careers, personal milestones, and everyday moments that mattered most to their family. Cecilia had a special love for decorating their home for the holidays, joyfully preparing for celebrations and hosting family gatherings. She delighted in creating beautiful flower arrangements that brought color and warmth into their home. Throughout the years, they would spend their evenings watching Anthony Bourdain together. They both loved watching football games on TV, and in recent weeks, while visiting each other at the hospital, they would compare notes on the games they had seen. Together, they cherished time at the beach, walking along the shore, watching the waves, taking in sunsets, and sharing quiet moments side by side. Endlessly nurturing, Jim and Cecilia will be remembered for their strength, loving hearts, and the warmth and humor they brought to every room. Their lives were lived fully and selflessly in faith, love, and service.