Mary Louise Decker

SHARON — Mary Louise Decker, 88, died July 2, 2009, at Sharon Health Care Center.

Mary was born Oct. 9, 1920, in Sharon to Cornelius Klunn and Mabel Rivenburg. She graduated from local schools.

Mary married Frank L. Decker. Mr. Decker predeceased her in 1988. She was a devoted housewife whose family was most important to her. Mary also loved gardening and tending to her home.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Arlene Stanton of Dover Plains; a son, Thomas J. Decker of Russell, Mass.; six grandchildren, Francis D. Stanton of Millerton, Robert L. Stanton of Spring Valley, Ill., Michael J. Stanton of Morris, N.Y., Karen Barrett of Winter Haven, Fla.,  Jeffrey and Thomas Decker of Springfield, Mass.; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husband, Mary was predeceased by a sister, Nellie Lynehan; and a brother, John Klunn.

Funeral services were held July 7 at the Valentine Funeral Home in Millerton, the Rev. William Mayhew officiating.

Donations in Mary’s name may be made to the Millerton Fire Dept., Century Boulevard, Millerton, NY 12546.

Latest News

Hose company feeds Lakeville

Anna Pattison sliced countless potatoes for the Lakeville Hose Company’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Patrick L. Sullivan

LAKEVILLE — A couple hours before the 5 p.m. start of the Lakeville Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary St. Patrick’s Day dinner, Anna Pattison was on potato slicing duty.

Watching her manipulate tuber and slicer, it was apparent she had done it before.

Keep ReadingShow less
In Appreciation:
Anne Kremer

Anne Kremer was a remarkable woman with many accomplishments. While living in Florida, she was a social worker who designed programs to help families at risk for child abuse. She owned an independent bookstore which hosted author talks and created a literary community. She was a leader in gun violence prevention. Locally, she became involved in affordable housing issues and led the Salisbury Housing Committee for 10 years. Anne was one of my best friends. I was deeply saddened when she recently passed away. Not surprisingly, she had many other friends who mourned her loss. When I spoke with many people, they always described her as “so nice.” I smile when I think about it because I say to myself, “Yes, Anne was really nice but that wouldn’t be the first adjective I’d use to describe her.” I remember Anne as courageous, loyal, undaunted, principled, loving, stubborn, and forgiving. But I think what I will remember – and miss – most is her humility. The world was a better place with her in it not because she told you all that she had done but because she – well – was so nice.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Valerie Hayden

SOUTHFIELD, Mass. — Joan Valerie Hayden was born in East Rutherford, New Jersey to Etta Bunce and John Schoonmaker. She moved to Southfield, Massachusetts, at a young age. She graduated from New Marlborough School as valedictorian of her class.

Joan was part of the Little Theater now known as Berkshire Theater Festival/Playhouse in Stockbridge and Sharon Playhouse in Sharon. Joan also produced some plays in the 80’s at Mt. Everett High School. She loved to sing and perform. She had a beautiful voice and eventually had her own concert with Steve Ross at the Consolati Performing Arts Center in Sheffield. Joan was part of the choir at the Southfield Church in Southfield.

Keep ReadingShow less
Judith Chatfield Schwerin

SHARON — Judith Chatfield Schwerin, 81, died on March 22, 2024, at her home in Sharon. The wife of Frederick W. Schwerin, Jr., also of Sharon, she was a beloved friend to many.

The daughter of Helen (Spencer) Chatfield and Sherwood Clark Chatfield, she was born in New York City, grew up in Chappaqua, New York, and spent summers in Sharon. Besides her husband, she is survived by her brother, William Chatfield, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Keep ReadingShow less