Obituary of Margaret Decker

Margaret Ann Decker (“Peggy”), a 92 year-old resident of Chatham, New Jersey died peacefully on April 23, 2023.

Peggy was born on November 1, 1930, in Union City, New Jersey to Anna Marie Healy and John Finan. Peggy and spent her childhood in North Plainfield, New Jersey. She graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1948 and after attending Berkley College, worked for NBC Studios in Manhattan. During that time Peggy met the love of her life, George Decker, and they married in 1952. They raised their four children, Jack, Tom, Susan and Karen in Bloomfield and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. While raising their children Peggy worked as a legal assistant for the Haskins, Robottom, Hack, Piro & O’Day law firm. Peggy also assisted George in founding Decker Tape Products out of the basement of the family home on Forest Avenue in Glen Ridge in 1969. Always hands-on, Peggy supported George by processing orders and keeping the books. Upon George’s death in 1978, sons Jack and Tom took over the business. Peggy was immensely proud of Decker Tape as it grew into the successful international company it is today. She was especially proud that it remains family owned and run, now with the contributions of third generation Deckers.

Peggy adored her sister, and only sibling, Joan. Their tight bond was shared by their respective families, and “The Cousins” connection was forged over many raucous and laughter-filled gatherings in New Jersey, Minnesota and points beyond.

Peggy was a proud Catholic. She did not just practice her faith, she lived it. This was reflected in her many acts of kindness to her friends and family and numerous charitable works. She was an active member of St. Vincent’s Nursing Home Auxiliary, Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary, Mountainside Hospital, RVSP (Retired Service Volunteer Program), Meals on Wheels and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s Church in West Orange.

Peggy was also a member of the Women’s New Jersey Senior Golf Association, Women’s Club of Glen Ridge and the Mercier Club. She was a member of the Glen Ridge Country Club for over forty years where she participated in the 18-holers and served on the Membership Committee for many years.

Peggy enjoyed golf, bowling, and was an ardent reader and crossword solver (in ink). She was an avid, and particularly sharp, bridge player and sports fan. After Mass, Sundays were set aside for watching the Yankees, Giants and golf. She was an enthusiastic “Blue Bloods” fan and, like most Irish grandmothers, was especially fond of the four generation Sunday dinners, which began with grace, that concluded each episode. Peggy also appreciated the time spent with her new friends at Juniper Village in Chatham and enjoyed participating in its many activities.

Peggy's greatest pleasure was her family. Known affectionately as “Mimi”, she was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mimi took a keen interest in their lives and reveled in their academic and athletic accomplishments. She was a constant presence at birthdays, Christenings, First Communions, Graduations and countless other family gatherings and simple Sunday dinners. She especially loved the holidays, when she would hold court in the middle of the action with a glass of wine (or two) and a twinkle in her eye.

Peggy’s great faith, love and generosity of spirit nurtured her family and provided the foundation from which it flourished and grew. For this unfailing devotion she was deary loved and will be greatly missed.

Peggy is survived by her sister Joan Dorsa (Eugene); sons Jack and Tom, and daughters Susan Groskreutz (Daniel) and Karen Finneran (BJ); her nine grandchildren (9) and six great-grandchildren (with a 7th expected this fall); and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband George, and daughters-in-law Gayle Larson Decker and Gail Pascal Decker.

Visitation will at the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street Montclair on Wednesday from 4-8PM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday at 10AM at St. Joseph Church, 44 Benvenue Avenue, West Orange.  Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair.

In In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Margaret Decker.