Obituary of Dianne Frances Decker
Dianne Decker, (nee Burke), aged 78, passed away peacefully on March 24th, 2026, at West Bedford Transitional Health Centre (WBTHC) after a brief illness on top of a journey with dementia. Dianne is survived by her loving and devoted husband of almost 51 years, Wayne; her children, Mark, Alissa (Keith); cherished granddaughter, Grace; brothers Jim (Margie), Kevin (Joe), Vernon, and her sister Kathy (Gene). She will be missed by her in-laws, Linda (Paul), Ruthann, and Gail (David), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dianne was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Bernard, parents-in-law, Doris and Neil, brother-in-law, Allan, many aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friend, Tony Meagher (Carol).
Born in Halifax, NS, on February 20th, 1948, Dianne was the first born and treasured daughter of James and Joyce Burke. Dianne spent the early days of her childhood in Halifax before moving to Waverley. Dianne became a lifelong resident of Waverley and that is where she and Wayne built a home and raised their family. Dianne was well known within her community as she loved landscaping/gardening, walking, and connecting with her neighbours. She always greeted people on her walks and never missed a chance to catch up on the latest news or happenings in the lives of others. She always welcomed new people to the neighbourhood and never failed to lend a helping hand to a neighbour or friend in need.
Dianne first trained as a hair stylist before studying at Miss Murphy’s Business College, which led to an over 30-year career with Maritime Medical Care/Medavie Blue Cross, helping to support the MSI program for the province. Dianne was respected for her hard work, dedication, and infusion of humour and laughter into her workplace. Dianne retired in 2008 but maintained treasured friendships with many of her colleagues. In retirement, Dianne enjoyed some travels and day trips around the province but took great pleasure in her home and tending to their gardens and thinking of new landscaping projects.
Dianne’s greatest accomplishments were her family and her most valued roles were that of wife, mother, and grandmother. Dianne was a great supporter of her children and only grandchild, Grace. She took immense pride in all their achievements and milestones and spending time with those she loved most. Even on Dianne’s hardest days through her illness, her granddaughter Grace never failed to bring a smile and joy to her Grammy.
We take comfort that Dianne is now at peace and reunited with her family, lifelong friend Tony, and her sweet baby boy (grand puppy), Sully.
Special thanks to the team and physicians of the geriatrics clinic at the QEII/DGH for the wonderful care and compassion provided to Dianne and our family over our journey with dementia. A special thank you as well to the teams and physicians on 8.4 HI, V3E, WBTHC and C3 for the great care and support you provided Dianne and our family over the course of her recent health challenges. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the QEII Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society of NS, Special Olympics Nova Scotia, or charity of choice.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held for Dianne on April 8, 2026, at 11am, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Fall River, NS. Reception to follow. Online condolences may be made by visiting https://maritimecremation.ca/.
“There are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” M. Ghandi
