Lois Irene Decker

HILLSDALE — Lois Irene Decker, 73, a lifelong resident of Hillsdale, N.Y., passed away on Nov. 20, 2011.Born on July 16, 1938, in Hudson, N.Y., she was the daughter of Eleanor (Mossman) and Wilfred Pfeiffer.She worked for more than 20 years as the head cook at the Roe Jan School.Mrs. Decker was very patriotic and always supported veterans organizations. She was a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer at the nursery school at the North Hillsdale United Methodist Church, as well as at the Stay in Play after-school program at Taconic Hills. She was also a huge Elvis fan, and enjoyed bowling at the Cove Lanes in Great Barrington and the “Card Club.”She devoted her life to nurturing children, not only her own but scores of kids through the school lunch program, Stay and Play, the Sunday school, the nursery school and baby sitting. She cared tremendously for Taconic Hills, the town of Hillsdale and the Methodist Church. She was present at every school game, no matter the weather. Mrs. Decker touched so many lives with her kindness and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.She is survived by her four children, Craig and his companion, Gloria, of Hillsdale, Michael and his wife, Tara, of Hillsdale, Scott and his wife, Jacquelyn, of Craryville, N.Y., and Diane and her husband, Nathan, of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren, Amie, Scotty and Dylan Decker; four step-grandchildren, Jowe, Crystal, Ashley and Nick Warren; a brother, David Pfeiffer of Hillsdale; four sisters, Jane McIntosh of Hudson, Deborah Bordeaux of Hillsdale, Pamela Keeler of Hillsdale and Susan Call of Copake; and family members John L. “Jack” Decker Sr., Heather Decker and numerous nephews and nieces.She was predeceased by her son, John L. “Jack” Decker Jr.; and a brother, John Pfeiffer.A funeral service was held Nov. 25 at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jerome Kennedy officiating.Interment was in the North Hillsdale Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Decker’s name to Taconic Hills, c/o Lois Decker-Dollars for Scholars, 73 County Route 11A, Craryville, NY 12521.Arrangements are under the direction of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Copake. To send an online condolence, go to www.peckandpeck.net.

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