Obituary of Catherine Abate Decker

Catherine Decker (Abate), 71, passed away on Friday, November 9th, 2018 at home after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her loving family at her bedside. She was born in Camden, New Jersey on January 10, 1947, but left us too soon. Catherine was an example to us all with her optimism and courage during the course of her lengthy illness. A wife and mother first and foremost, her family always brought a smile to her face. Catherine was also a loving grandmother to Hannah Lynn Parks and Hailey Elizabeth Parks and loving mother to Susan Elizabeth Decker-Fox and Lynn Elizabeth Decker-Parks. She will also be missed by her sister Arlene Abate-Carpenter, and her brothers Canio, Joseph and Robert Abate. Family and friends were always the primary focus of Catherine’s world and she will be missed by her many cousins, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed traveling with her family to Aruba and of course, visiting with her loving family in New Jersey. Catherine was curious about all things, places and people, and believed that there was something to learn from every experience. Catherine was immensely proud of her family and she leaves behind beautiful memories for all who knew her. Catherine is pre-deceased by her parents, Canio and Elizabeth Abate, and her husband, Alvin E. Decker. Visitation will held in the Christ the King Church Parish Center, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, CT on Friday, November 16, from 5-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will follow at the church on Saturday, November 17th at 11AM. Interment will be private. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael DiGiovanna and the staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Beacon Hospice, as well as the many friends who supported Catherine and the family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Closer to Free Fund (Smilow Cancer Hospital), P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508, or to, The Sisters Project, P. O. Box 1643, Wallingford, CT 06492. To share a memory of Catherine or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.