Elizabeth E. Decator
July 1, 1925 – March 16, 2022
Longtime area resident, Elizabeth “Liz” Elane Decator, 96, died Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry. Liz was born July 1, 1925 in Sault Ste. Marie, daughter of the late Richard and Margaret (Kelley) Berry.
Liz was employed as a secretary for both Tahquamenon Area Schools and coordinator of community schools for 40 years until her retirement in 1988 and, in 1982, was a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award for her years of service for the entire Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Liz was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church and former member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, square dancing, reading, camping and spending time with her family. She always had a good story to tell, song to sing, kind words for others and she had a great laugh. She was very proud of her Irish Heritage and loved to listen to Celtic music.
In addition to her parents, Liz is preceded in death by her former husbands Reynold LaFond and Charles Decator; children Rodney LaFond, Cathy Kennicott and Mary Burton; six brothers and one sister.
Survivors include her grandchildren Julie (Chris Dums) Burton and Jeff (Tiffany Wielant) Burton all of Curtis, Cheryl Statler of Lincoln Park, Sally (Lee) Cumberworth of Waterford, Jon (Rachel) LaFond of Frederick, Maryland and Jason (Cheryl) LaFond of Austin, Texas; eleven great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren; sister Jill (Bernie) Lampi of Austin, Texas; son-in-law Scott Kennicott of Summerdale, Alabama.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Liz will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Pet Pals in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
