Frances "Fran" Decker Obituary (1921 - 2015)

DECKER, FRANCES Age 94, of Horseheads, NY passed away peacefully on September 6, 2105 at Elcor Nursing Facility with family at her side. Frances was born on April 15, 1921 in Scranton PA, daughter of the late Ignatz and Sophia Lesinski. Frances was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband Harold, sisters, Pauline, Stella, Della, Janet, Catherine (Kosh) her best friend, Anne, and brothers Kevin and Ignatz, and good friend and neighbor Fran Sullivan. Survived by her sister Mildred Guzek, daughter Jeanne (John) Longwell of Elmira, son William (Elizabeth) Decker of Delray Beach, Fl, granddaughter Lisa (Thomas) Miller, grandson Jeff (Kelly)Longwell, great grandsons Oliver Miller and Jackson Longwell, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, longtime friend Carrie Lewis, and ALL of her devoted and caring Gardner Road friends and "family". Fran worked at the Knitting Mill, Elmira. She was proprietor of the Horseheads Hobby Shop and Fran's Cut n' Curl. She was a longtime employee of the A&P, in addition to working at Sullivan's Diner and Wade's Jewelry store. Fran was a member of the Town and Country Ladies Fire Aux., Horseheads Fire Dept. Ladies Aux., Horseheads Lioness Club, and St. Mary Our Mother parish. She was a volunteer at Bethany Healthcare, the Chemung County Visitor Welcome Center, and numerous other organizations. Fran was a great organizer. She enjoyed setting up fundraisers that included out of town shopping trips, gambling tours, etc. She was a "doer" who liked to stay out of the limelight. She was a loving mother, wife and friend. She adored her family, and especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Fran's infectious smile and caring heart will truly be missed. In a celebration of Fran's life, her family will greet guests on Friday September 11, 2015 from 6-8pm at Sullivan's Funeral Home, Horseheads NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 1:30PM with Rev. Richard Farrell. A celebration of Fran's life will be held at her home immediately following the funeral mass. Flowers will be provided by the family. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made in Fran's name to Town and Country Fire Dept., 130 Gardner Rd., Horseheads, NY 14845. A sincere thank you goes out to the many people who helped Fran through the years, and a special thanks to the caring people at Elcor. And finally Fran leaves this final request. Be kind to all, and do something special for someone each and everyday.