Jennie M. Decker

Jennie (Jeanne) M. Decker, age 99, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024 at McLaren Hospital, only a few blocks away from where she entered this world. Born on March 23, 1925 on Sedgwick Street in Port Huron, Jeanne's life was filled with music, adventure, hard work, and most importantly, faith and family. Her parents, Harry and Edith (Harrison) Maltas, both professional musicians, instilled in Jeanne a profound love for music and God which lasted her entire life.
Jeanne grew up in Capac, Michigan where she lived on her family farm and filled her days with mandatory piano and violin lessons, chores, and picking crops at home and neighboring farms. She played the piano at her church from the age of 14 until she was 95. Her dedication to playing piano was passed down through three generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Capac High School in 1942, Jeanne went on to live with an aunt in Detroit and started working at Murray Body. It was in Detroit, while attending church, that Jeanne met the love of her life, Harold Decker. The two married in her childhood home in Capac on November 27, 1943 and welcomed six children in the subsequent years: William "Bill" Decker of Woodbridge, VA; Douglas Decker of Detroit, MI; David (Judy) Decker of Croswell, MI; John (Mary Clare) Decker of New York City, NY; Joyce (Dave) Giles of Port Huron, MI; and the late, Joann Hauff of Marysville, MI.
Raising her family in faith and with music was important to Jeanne, but so was her professional pursuit. When her children were still school aged, Jeanne decided to pursue a nursing career. Her family supported her studies and fondly remember quizzing her as she would peel potatoes and iron. Jeanne graduated at the top of her class and was employed by Port Huron Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and lastly Faith Medical Care Center in St. Clair, where she retired after 28 consecutive years of service.
Jeanne had a zest for life and she traveled the U.S. with her family and then later the world with Harold, exploring 35 countries and wintering on the island of Maui, where they generously hosted friends and family. Loved ones remember scary mountain drives to watch the sunrises and eating freshly harvested pineapple.
Faith was the cornerstone of Jeanne's life. Jeanne's faith was a legacy from her father and grandfather, both ministers, and both she and Harold were ordained Elders in the Community of Christ Church. Wherever her congregation needed her, Jeanne was ready to help and in her later years she organized a weekly Bible study at Lakeshore Woods where she resided.
Jeanne was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. Jeanne's spirit now resides with her Creator, and she is reunited with her beloved Harold, daughter Joann, and sister Margaret Ann Eggart in eternal peace.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00am in the Community of Christ Wadhams Grove Church, 4920 Lapeer Road, Kimball, MI 48074 with a visitation starting at 10:00am. Please consider Community of Christ Wadhams Grove Church for any expressions of sympathy.
Jeanne's remains will be buried privately at East Berlin Cemetery, near Capac, MI alongside her immediate family as well as generations of family members. In Jeanne's words, "I hope to meet you in another life with Jesus Christ."
For full obituary and guestbook, visit www.gracemem.com.