Christine S. Decker's Obituary
1949-2018\r\n\r\nChristine S. Decker died of cancer, January 2, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born June 5, 1949 to Richard and Catherine Sutkus Schell in Wexford, Pennsylvania, the first of three children. She married Rod Decker in 1972.\r\n\r\nShe graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Georgetown University, earned a law degree from the University of Utah, and was the 79th woman ever admitted to the Utah Bar. Christine practiced law in Salt Lake City and served as a Judge in Third District Juvenile Court. She received the Scott M. Matheson Award for service to troubled youth, and was selected Woman Lawyer of the Year.\r\n\r\nA woman of faith, Christine attended the Cathedral of the Madeleine. She served on the Parish Council, on the board of St. Vincent de Paul, as a chair of fundraising for the Cathedral restoration, as a lector, communion minister, teacher in the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults, and a Good-Samaritan volunteer.\r\n\r\nAbove all, Chris was a wife, mom and grandma. She and Rod had three children Ben, Megan and Rachel. Married (respectively) to Tessie, John and Adam, with six grandchildren: Moreo 1), Waylon 1), Jack 1), River 1), Emmett 1) and Adelaide, 1 months). Christine read stories, led scout troops, baked cakes, sewed costumes, supervised homework, told jokes, kissed children good night, and made life good for everyone close to her.\r\n\r\nA vigil will be held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, Friday, January 5, at 6:30 p.m., with a visitation at 7:15 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral, Saturday, January 6, at Noon. Graveside service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street, after the funeral, and a wake at Little America Hotel at 3 p.m. Funeral directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cathedral's Good Samaritan program at utcotm.org/support-us.
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