Sophie S. Decker, aged 94, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2017.She was born on February 9, 1923. Sophie was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Gilbert Richard Decker. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Gail (Bernard) Litten of Leola, PA, Richard (Peg) Decker of Smyrna, DE, Bruce (Jackie) Decker of Sharonville, OH, and Douglas (Shelly) Decker of Reading, PA and her eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was affectionately known as Nanny to everyone who knew her. From her childhood growing up in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, Sophie always wanted to be a nurse. In 1941, when she was 18 years old she entered Women's Medical Nursing for their Nursing program but unfortunately was unable to complete the program. She worked for three years at United Engineers in Philadelphia until she married her sweetheart on April 21, 1945 when she was 22 years old. They settled in North Hills, Pennsylvania and raised their family. She was a stay at home mom for nineteen years and then she finally was able to follow her dreams of a medical professional. In 1970 she became an OR Technician at Abington Hospital after returning to school to train for the position. She joined the venipuncture team and worked at Abington Hospital until 1981 when she left to care for her mother. Sophie was always well liked, very good natured, and had an easy going personality. Family was her priority. She was a caring person always remembering everyone's birthday and special days with greeting cards that she spent hours selecting to ensure everyone received just the right card. She never asked for anything for herself; she lived simply and was always content. Sophie adored cardinal birds and her family often referred to Sophie and her husband Gilbert as "The Cardinals" as these birds mate for life. She was the love of Gilbert's life, the lily of his valley and queen of his castle. Knowing she has been reunited with her husband helps to ease the loss of our beloved Nanny.

Memorial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Sophie's name to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor., New York, N.Y. 10001.