Mary Decker

Mary Decker of Mountainhome, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 21.

Daughter of the late Peter and Anastasia (Pehota) Tapyrik, of Mayfield, Pa., she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Neil Decker; brothers, John Tapyrik, Samuel Tapyrik, Nicholas Tapyrik, Alexander Tapyrik and George Tapyrik; sisters, Ann Tapyrik, Delores Tapyrik and Lydia Bochnovich.

Mary leaves behind her sister, Rose Mareski, of Clarks Summit, Pa.; daughters, Delores Ann Decker and Alexandra Leigh Strait (wife of Kevin D. Strait), of Mountainhome; beloved grandson, Jeremiah Daniel Strait, of Mountainhome; stepgrandchildren, Laura Strait and Brandon Strait, of Bath, Pa.; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Mary was of the Russian Orthodox faith and attended St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield until she could no longer do so. She (as all her brothers and sisters) grew up in Mayfield and helped her parents with any and all chores that needed to be done. Mary attended Russian school as well as graduating with honors from Mayfield High School. Her first jobs were in a dress factory as well as folding parachutes during World War II. She then worked waitressing at Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pa. for many years, where she met and later married her husband John (Jack) Decker. Mary also cleaned homes for people in Buck Hill and Skytop well into her late 70's until she could no longer do so. "Mamie," as Mary was affectionately known, was always lending a helping hand to any friend or family when they needed including assistance to many during the flood in 1955. She was a wonderful baker as well as home canning of many delicious foods for family and friends.

Mary devoted her life to caring for her daughter in and out of Delores's many hospital stays.

Jeremiah was the light of her life. She helped to guide him growing up by keeping faith in God as well as helping him become the well mannered, respectful young man he has grown to be. Mary passed along all Russian Orthodox traditions to her children and grandson. She will be dearly missed by all.

Requiem Services will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. in St. John's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 700 Hill St., Mayfield, to be celebrated by the Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest John Sorochka. Interment, St. John's R.O. Cemetery, Mayfield.

Friends may call Saturday, 8 until time of the service at the church. Arrangements by the Ryczak-Harrison Funeral Home Inc., 901 Lackawanna Ave., Mayfield.