Cornelia Decker

With unending love for others, Cornelia Decker was a true blessing in the lives of all those within her reach. She was a graceful woman with a genuine beauty that radiated from the faith in her Lord and Savior deep in her heart. Cornelia was never overbearing or boisterous in her faith, but possessed an unwavering faith that sustained her along her life’s journey. She was a perfectionist who wholeheartedly applied herself to whatever task lay before her whether creating a sewing project or a meal, serving within her church family, or tending to the needs of her beloved family. Life will be forever changed for so many without Cornelia here, but the memories she leaves behind will be a priceless treasure for generations to come.

The 1920s were a time unlike any other in American history as we were experiencing expansion and growth that forever transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. Broadway reached an all-time peak while jazz music saturated the airwaves and legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb commanded the baseball field. Nestled within this colorful time was the year 1925 that brought great anticipation to one young couple from Grand, Rapids, Michigan, as they were overjoyed to welcome two healthy baby girls on January 25th. Twins Cornelia Frances and Frances Cornelia were welcomed into the world by their parents, Willem and Rika (DeRyke) Adriaansen, and were later joined in their family by their younger sister, Lorraine. Cornelia’s parents both immigrated to America from the Netherlands in search of a better life. Her father worked as a peerless tool and die maker and the right hand man to William Lear of Lear Jet. Rika was a busy homemaker who also worked as a seamstress.

As the prosperity of the 1920s gave way to the despair of the 1930s due to the Great Depression, Cornelia experienced a childhood that was rather typical for young people of her day. She attended Harrison Park School and went on to graduate from Union High School as part of the class of 1942. Shortly after she graduated Cornelia secured employment at Michigan National Bank in downtown Grand Rapids. It was also as a young woman that she met the young man with whom she would write an eloquent love story. His name was Robert Decker, and they met at Seventh Reformed Church where they both attended. They were attracted to each other right from the start, and a dating relationship that spanned the next year-and-a-half quickly ensued. Deeply in love, they became husband and wife on August 26, 1948, after Robert returned from serving his country in the military.

The newlyweds soon moved to Chicago while Robert attended podiatry school. After several years in Chicago, they returned to Grand Rapids where they settled into a home on Crosby NW. Robert laid the groundwork for his successful practice, and the couple was blessed with six children: Bonnie, Sandra, Nancy, William, Robert, and Patricia. In the mid-fifties the bustling family moved to a home on Ironwood Dr. NW where Robert became somewhat of a gentleman farmer over the ten years they lived there. In the sixties the Deckers moved to a new home at 4501 Three Mile Road where they remained for 25 years.

Life was always hopping with activity in the Decker family. Cornelia fully immersed herself into her roles as a wife and mother, making tending to the needs of her husband and children her main focus. She was the peacemaker of the family who settled many a sibling argument through the years, and she also taught her children the invaluable skills of compassion and forgiveness. Cornelia was always caring and nurturing toward her children, leaving no question in their minds about how deeply they were loved. She was a gifted seamstress and a perfectionist to boot, which meant that the clothes she made for her children during their younger years were always top notch. Cornelia loved to cook and as her family can attest, everything that came out of her kitchen was fantastic. Treasured memories were made at the family cottage on Big Star Lake over a span of 30 years.

Although taking care of her family was her primary focus, she also fostered such a generous spirit and extended her time and resources to others. She faithfully took care of her mother after her father died, which allowed her mother to live independently for 29 years. Cornelia was also a longtime member of Remembrance Reformed Church where she served on their pastoral search committee. When she had some free time she also taught sewing classes through the local 4-H. Her hobbies included bowling, puzzles, quilting, and doing cross-stitch. She also enjoyed playing golf with Robert. Cornelia saw to it that she never missed a special occasion of a friend or family member, keeping a huge master list so that she sent out a card for every birthday and anniversary.

Throughout their married life Cornelia and Robert exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be as their love and respect for one another was easy to see. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved nothing more than harmonizing with her beloved Robert on the classic hymns. In 1981 they moved from their home to a condo on Bona Vista NW where they lived for 27 years, and they also spent many winters at their trailer in Bradenton, Florida.

For the last several years of her life Cornelia dealt with some health issues. She used an electric wheelchair for many years, and it was about one-and-a-half years ago that she needed more care than Robert could provide. Cornelia then moved into assisted living at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes where she received the care she needed while still remaining alert and with her excellent memory intact, too. The residents and staff alike loved her deeply.

Cornelia Decker will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and her steadfast faith, but it will be her unending love for her family that will be her greatest legacy. She was content in all things and taught us so much about what it means to live a life of faith. Cornelia will be deeply missed.

Cornelia Frances Decker died on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Cornelia’s family includes her beloved husband, Robert; her children, William (Jean) Decker of Portage, Robert (Sue) Decker of Grandville, Bonnie Keeler-Dock and Ron Dock of Portage, Sandra (Steve) Zarnosky of Lamont, Nancy (Kevin) Neckers of Greensboro, NC, Patricia (David) Revels of Greenville, SC; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Frances Cornelia Mulder of Portage and Lorraine (Henry) Beerthuis of Allendale; and many nieces and nephews. Cornelia was preceded in death by her grandson, D.J. Zarnosky. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11a.m. at Remembrance Reformed Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd. NW with interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Friends may meet the family from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes – Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St NW and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions to Grand Rapids Right To Life, 2340 Porter SW, 49509 would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo.