Obituaries

Linda A. Decker, age 72, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Tuesday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, after an illness.
Born on November 29, 1946, and raised in West Scranton, Linda was the daughter of the late Clarence B. and Helen E. Smithing Decker. A graduate of West Scranton High School before attending beauty school, she owned and operated the Linda Ann Decker Beauty Salon in West Scranton. While raising her children, she eventually enrolled at Lackawanna County Area Vocational-Tech. School where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse upon graduation.
She then began a 24 year career in health care, serving as a nurse at Regional Hospital; for the Sisters of I.H.M.; at Gino Merli Veterans Centers; and at Allied Services, before her retirement. Her tireless work ethic, especially while raising her children, will never be forgotten. She was a volunteer at several area organizations, including the South Scranton Senior Center.
Above all else came her family, and one of her greatest joys came in babysitting her grandchildren. Her legacy will be her selflessness as her kindness and caring nature always put others before herself. She will be missed.
She is survived by her loving children, Bonnie Hessmiller and husband Michael of Scranton and Russell Salzmann and wife Karen of Dunmore; her adored grandchildren, Lindsey and Leslie Hessmiller and Andrew and Dale Salzmann; siblings, C. Robert Decker and wife Doris of Gouldsboro, John Decker and wife Patricia of Moscow, Mark Decker and wife Jane of Daleville and Susan Decker of Scranton; her sister-in-law, Rachael Decker of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews.
Siblings, Kenneth and infant Mary Lou Decker, also preceded her in death.
Her family wishes to acknowledge and thank Dr. Bary Kurtzer for his years of care, compassion and kindness.
A blessing service by Rev. Cyril D. Edwards is scheduled for Friday at 6:00PM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday from 3:00PM until services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s name to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, 600 Baltimore Dr # 7, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.