Connie Van Decker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Connie Van Decker, who left us on September 27, 2025 at the age of 78. She passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will never be forgotten.

Born on March 29, 1947 in Paterson, New Jersey, Connie was the beloved daughter of Arthur Van Decker and Yolanda Frances Conti. She grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, and went on to graduate with a B.S. at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Connie later retired as the Vice President of Strategic Planning at Micon, Inc, a role in which she excelled with dedication and intelligence.

Throughout her life, Connie was the kind of person who made everyone feel loved and like they had a person in their corner. Her smile lit up every room, and her warmth made strangers feel like old friends. She had a gift for putting a smile on everyone's face, whether through a kind word, her unwavering support, or the unforgettable stories she loved to share. She enjoyed learning about the passions of others and found happiness in getting to experience what other people loved to do.

Connie had a deep passion for music, history, education, woman's empowerment, sports, traveling, and the arts. She cherished time with her family and beloved friends. She was a staple in the Little Falls community, where she served as President of the Woman's Club for several years. She was often found spending time with friends at the Woman's Club, Little Falls Kitchen, Maggie's, the local Bagel and Coffee Shop, and the Library, as well as playing Bridge or discussing the recent selection in her Book Club.

Connie wasn't only a dependable, strong woman, she was also so much fun. Her laugh was contagious, her stories were legendary, and her presence made every gathering more joyful. Many would say she was the life of the party. She celebrated life each day and created memories that will last forever.

Connie was the beloved sister of the late Arthur Van Decker (d. 2024) and wife Patricia Van Decker, the late Yolanda Nick (d. 1997), John Van Decker and his wife Patricia Van Decker, and Judith Gumkowski and her husband Clifford Gumkowski. She was the devoted aunt of her nieces and nephews: Diana, Debbie, Michelle, Robert, Yolanda, Kyle, Kelsey, Cameron, Christina, Nicole, Stefanie, Zachary and Tucker and their spouses and children.

Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, October 3rd from 4-7 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, October 4th at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer service and words of remembrance by the family to be offered at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Upper Montclair. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.

All who knew and loved Connie are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

Donations in memory of Connie may be made to The Woman's Club of Little Falls, 93 Prospect St., Little Falls, N.J. 07424.

Her spirit, strength, and love will continue to live on in all of us. She will be missed beyond words and remembered always.