Tonie Marie Decker

Dec. 3, 1964 - March 30, 2012

Tonie's journey in life ended March 30, 2012 at her home in San Rafael, CA. She was 47 years old.

Tonie was born with her identical twin sister, Terri Lynn Decker on December 3, 1964 at UCSF Moffet Hospital in San Francisco, CA to Joyce Therese Courteau/Decker and David William Decker. Tonie resided mostly in Marin, Mendocino and Santa Cruz Counties. She attended grammar school in Mendocino where is pursued her enormous musical talents, including singing, playing the piano, drums, trombone and clarinet. She also developed a love of education. After attending Hill Jr. High in Novato, CA with her twin sister, Terri, the "Double Decker" twins academic testing scores were advanced enough to surpass the 9th grade. Toni graduated from Novato High School in 1982, after attending Sonoma High School for over a year. There she was also enrolled in the R.O.T.C. Cosmetology program.

Tonie worked as an Administrative Assistant in the insurance industry, and was a licensed Medical Assistant. She loved the beach, cooking, camping, music and most of all she loved people! Her love for cooking and sense of adventure, led her at the age of 39 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After successfully completing boot camp, now a naval reserve, she served as a "Culinary Specialist", aboard the U.S. Curts stationed in San Diego, CA. Unafraid of success, Tonie simultaneously attended school in southern California, where she obtained her license as a Medical Assistant and an X-Ray Technician. Her mother often very proudly referred to her as the "Jackie Of All Trades"! Most recently Tonie resided in San Rafael, CA, living as an Au Pair for her cousin, Steven Anthony Courteau and his sons, Michael and Nicholas.

Tonie was preceded in death by her father, David William Decker of Sonoma, CA. She is survived by her loving mother, Joyce T. Decker/Courteau of Lake Co., CA; her identical twin sister, Terilynn Decker of Santa Cruz; her grandmother, Frances Willard/Burke of Santa Ana, Costa Rica; her step-mother; her brothers, M. Kathleen, Ely Madrone and Bowie Yarrow Alexander/Decker of Glen Ellen, CA; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, May 6th, 2012 at 3 pm at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz, followed by a "very special occasion" for Tonie at Aldo's Restaurant at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.