Helen Loraine Decker, 84, of Lockport, N.Y., wife of the late Richard E. Decker, passed away on February 15, 2015, at Briody Health Care Facility after a brief illness.

Born December 16, 1930, in Lockport, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ernest C. and Elizabeth (nee Raetz) Roeseler.

Helen graduated from Lockport High School in 1949 but began her education at the old Wrights Corners School, where she was a member of the last 8th-grade class to graduate before it closed. She had worked for Abstract Title in Lockport since the early 1950’s as a typist preparing legal documents until retiring many years later. Helen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lockport.

Helen and Dick were married on September 24, 1955 and enjoyed 56 years together before her husband passed away on November 17, 2011. Together they built a home, where they enjoyed gardening, cooking and entertaining family and friends. They enjoyed travelling together on their many trips and also loved to go out dancing. They faithfully took care of each other’s needs, in sickness and in health.

Family gatherings, and either hosting or attending holiday dinners and parties, were always enjoyed by Helen. In recent years, she would look forward to daily outings for lunch and Friday night fish fry’s at her house. Helen also enjoyed having company, visiting on the phone, and loved Connie’s cooking on Sundays.

Because of several wonderful caregivers and her family, Helen was able to stay in her own home after Dick’s death, in spite of her loss of sight. Since her recent illness, she had resided at Briody Health Care Facility where she had very compassionate and kind care.

Helen is survived by her niece, Susanne (Gary) McCollum of Gasport, NY; nephews Danny (Sherry) Balgemann of Canyon Lake, TX, Randy (Marian) Roeseler of Lockport, NY and Martin (Lisa) Roeseler of Middleport, NY; sister-in-law Joyce (late Donald) Roeseler of Lockport, NY; brother-in-law George (Tanya) Decker of Mount Vision, NY; sister-in-law June (late Firman) Decker of Boonville, NY:  also survived by many dear great nieces and nephews: special great-great nieces and nephews, and a great-great-great niece and nephew.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard E. Decker; her sister Florence (late Otto) Balgemann; her brother Donald (Joyce) Roeseler all of Lockport, NY; and a great-great nephew.

Friends may call Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 2-5 PM at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Monday, February 23rd, at 11 am, with the Reverend Alan Bauch officiating.  Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery, Lockport, N.Y.  Donations to Niagara Hospice or a charity of one’s choice, in Helen’s memory, would be appreciated by the family.

Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com.