Eileen Decker, age 76, passed away after a short illness on July 3, 2026.Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Eileen was raised in West Paterson and Totowa. 

She began her nursing career in the 1970's as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey where she developed the strong work ethic and compassionate spirit that would define her life. Determined to further her education and serve her patients in an even greater capacity, she soon earned her Registered Nurse degree. Throughout her distinguished nursing career, Eileen eventually dedicated herself primarily to dialysis and hemodialysis, caring for countless patients at St. Joseph's hospital in Paterson, New Jersey as well as several outpatient dialysis clinics throughout Northern Jersey. 

In the final years of her career, she worked for Fresenius Medical Care where she found great fulfillment teaching peritoneal dialysis, empowering patients with the knowledge and confidence to manage their care at home. Friends and colleagues considered it an honor to work alongside her, and her patients recognized her as a source of comfort, hope and kindness. She was deeply admired for her commitment and selfless dedication to others. 

Outside of work, Eileen cherished her family (both blood and chosen), enjoyed snuggling with her kitty cats and found great pleasure reading and recommending thousands of books over her lifetime. She loved antiquing and scavenging at estate sales and refurbishing old furniture, some of which were originally owned by her grandparents. 

Eileen was a beloved neighbor and friend to many in Totowa, West Milford, NJ and for the past 7 years, in Sun City Center, Florida. Her sisters, Marilyn and Janice, were deeply moved by the many condolences and expressions of affection that were shared. Neighbors and friends commented that she was someone who they could always count on and they will miss her yearly cat Christmas cards and her homemade cheeseballs. 

She was remembered as someone fun and sweet, even with her Jersey potty mouth. But mosttouching was Eileen being referred to as an angel to hundreds here on earth. Marilyn and Janice briefly questioned the authenticity of these messages as their childhood recollections were vastly different, one of which included being terrorized by their older sibling. Alas, the Decker Girls grew up, childhood hijinks were forgiven and they became each other's besties.

Eileen is survived by her sisters, Marilyn Dana (Dick Dana) of Denver, Colorado, and Janice Baker-Kinney (Rob Kinney) of Rohnert Park, California; her beloved nephew and godson Harrison Baker (Nina Pariani Baker) of San Francisco, California and her cherished chosen family, Ann and Ryan Sylvia, their children Erin (John Murray) and Ryan Jr. (Ashley Silvia) and their families. She was a devoted bonus grandma and Aunt Decker to Skylar, Payton and Sienna, delighting in arts and crafts and nurturing their creativity.

Through her unwavering presence, she showed them the importance of loving unconditionally and always showing up for the people who matter most. Eileen also shared an extraordinary lifelong friendship with Janet Greenleaf, her best friend since high school and was godmother to Janet's son Michael Henry. Their bond endured through the decades, and Janet was by Eileen's side during her final days. She will be missed by her dear friend Judy Wozniak and her beloved New Jersey cousins.

Eileen will be laid to rest next to her parents, Harry and Dolores Decker, in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, New Jersey. 

She will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet and generous spirit and the love she gave so freely to her family, friends and all the lives she touched. We will miss her so very much.

A small graveside service will be held at Laurel Grove Cemetery on August 22, 2026 at 10:00 am. 

Donations in Eileen's name can be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. 

Oh, and F**K CANCER! To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store. 

Make a donation to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in memory of Eileen Decker