Martha Dunn Decker

Martha Dunn Decker, 81, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, widow of Martin George Marty Decker, died peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2018; at South County Hospital, Wakefield, Rhode Island. Martha was born on December 24, 1936 in Oswego, New York, to Alice and Donald Dunn. She grew up in the small village of Mexico, New York, and spent her life there until she attended college at Hartwick College as a music education major. She and Marty met at Hartwick College in the college band, married and lived throughout the northeast until they settled in Newington, Connecticut, where they raised their 3 children and lived for 32 years. They were married for 58 years. She was an accomplished musician, and followed that passion throughout her entire life. Over the years she performed in various groups as a singer, pianist, church choir director and organist. While she was raising her children, she taught piano lessons, was a Girl Scout leader and childrens church choir director. She then began a long career as a recreation director and recreation therapist for assisted living facilities. She focused on caring for the elderly in a compassionate and nurturing way with music as an integral part of her programs. After retiring as a recreation director, she continued teaching piano lessons and singing, most recently performing with the South County Chamber Singers in November of 2017. Martha and Martin retired to Narragansett, Rhode Island, where Martha enjoyed volunteering at South Bay Manor, participating in book groups, playing bridge and entertaining her four beloved grandchildren for 20 summers. She was an engaging, entertaining and loving grandmother. Martha is survived by her three children, Lisa Decker and her husband Jeffrey Maxtutis of Arlington, Massachusetts; Stephen Decker and his wife Laura Decker of Walnut Creek, California; and Joanne Decker and her husband Carl Johnson of Bellingham, Washington; her four grandchildren, Emma Maxtutis, Lucy and Grace Decker, and Bryce Johnson. She touched many lives through her friendly and outgoing nature, her kindness and compassion, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held Saturday May 19 at 10:00 at the South Ferry Church, 170 South Ferry Road, Narragansett with a reception immediately following at Trio's restaurant, 15 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Donations may be made to the American Lung Association in memory of Martha Decker at www.lung.org or to the South Kingstown Animal Shelter, 132 Asa Pond Road, Wakefield, RI, 02879.