Maureen Elizabeth Decker ….
Maureen Elizabeth Decker
1940-2025
Maureen Elizabeth Decker, bel oved mother, g r a ndmo t h e r, great-grandmother, teacher, and woman of deep faith, passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on Nov. 28, 1940, and raised in Narragansett, Rhode Island, Maureen carried with her a lifelong love of the New England coast and an unmistakable Rhode Island accent that never faded. Summers by the sea were among her greatest joys—salt air, steady waves, beach chairs planted firmly in the sand, and a cold Diet Coke always close by.
A graduate of Salve Regina University, Maureen devoted her life to faith, education, and service. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher at Catholic schools throughout Orange County, where she was especially loved for teaching kindergarten. Known for her patience, humor, and playful spirit, she left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.
Her faith was sincere but never performative. When once asked if she had “found Jesus,” Maureen replied, “He was nevah lost,” in her unmistakable Rhode Island accent—a line her family will treasure forever.
She loved chocolate, Diet Coke, spirited conversation, and sports—particularly college basketball and football. She often joked that when she could no longer go on, she hoped to be left on the beach in a lawn chair with a Diet Coke in hand.
In keeping with her devotion to education, Maureen donated her body to the UCI Willed Body Program for research.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Crawford; her son, Sean Decker; her granddaughters, Megan and Lauren; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Katia.
A private service will be held.
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