Suzanne F. de Decker

With faith in the promise of eternal life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we announce that Suzanne Faulkner de Decker, 82, of Arlington, TX, was called home to the Lord on May 17, 2026.

Born on July 6, 1941 in Big Spring, Tx, Suzanne was the beloved daughter of Ross and Diane Faulkner, and sister to David and Kent Faulkner. The Faulkner family moved to Montclair, NJ in the mid 40s where she grew up, had her debut as a debutant, attended The Kimberly School (’61) and Pine Manor Junior College , Wellesley Hills, MA (’63)

In 1958, by way of a blind date, Suzanne met the love of her life, R. William (Bill) de Decker. After a few months of dating, followed by many years of friendship, they began dating again. Suzanne and Bill were then married on October 7, 1967 and were devoted to each other for 58 years.

Together they built a loving home and family, moving from Montclair to Philadelphia, back to Montclair and ending up in Arlington, Tx in 1979 where they raised their family and grew deep roots. Suzanne was mother to Kimberly (Kim) de Decker Jamieson (Randy) and Lauren Yarbrough (Marc). Suzanne and Bill then happily welcomed grandchildren Alex de Decker (Jasmine), Zac de Decker (Rebekah) and Ashley Yarbrough. Last November, Suzanne and Bill were blessed with great grandson Luke William (Zac and Rebekah).

Suzanne always found great joy in volunteering, the arts and nature as well as being a life long learner. She went back to school and got her B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington (’88) studying Geology and Spanish. She then went on to earn her teaching certification (’89). After achieving her degree, she spent 10 years teaching science to the Texas Boys Choir School (’89-’99) impacting countless children’s lives.

She was also an active member of various clubs and organizations throughout her life including the Junior League of Philadelphia, The Montclair Historical Society, Native Plant Society of Texas, Fort Worth Weavers Guild, Dallas Paleontological Society, Arlington Gem and Mineral Club, Fort Worth Boat Club Skipperetts, Petroleum Club of Fort Worth and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

In addition, Suzanne enjoyed learning and perfecting her skills in many areas including gardening, needlepoint, sewing, weaving, and “rock hounding”. She was also a dedicated student of Julia Childs, following along in the kitchen to the famous TV Series. Suzanne truly did become a very talented chef as a result and treated her family as well as many friends by “elevating everyday cooking into an art”.

Another great love for both Suzanne and Bill was to travel, which they enjoyed at every opportunity throughout their life together. The two found endless joy in visiting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, New Zealand, and more. In addition to traveling together, Suzanne and Bill were lifelong patrons of the arts enjoying visiting museums of all sorts, attending the opera and the symphony with annual memberships to both in Dallas and in Fort Worth.

Raised Episcopalian, Suzanne experienced a deep and personal growth into her Christian faith as an adult. She then embraced the Catholic Church as her spiritual home and was received into full communion with the Church at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 2002. From that point forward, her faith became the cornerstone of her life. She found peace and joy in attending Mass, praying the Rosary, reading Scripture, and living her faith through prayer and service. She also participated in the Alter Society and through her strong belief was a powerful witness to God’s grace and mercy.

She is survived by her husband, Bill de Decker; her children, Kim (Randy) and Lauren (Marc); her grandchildren, Alex (Jasmine), Zac (Rebekah), and Ashley; great grandchild, Luke William (Zac and Rebekah); brother, David; nephews, Sean and Luke; and cousins, Chris (Robin), Quaintance, Anne, Roxanne and Lisa.  Her parents, Ross and Diane, and her brother, Kent, preceded her in death.

While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in the assurance that she now rests in the loving arms of the Lord and has entered into the fullness of His peace. Her life stands as a testimony that God’s grace can transform the heart at any stage in life. May perpetual light shine upon her, and may her soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. and family remembrance following.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton, Fort Worth.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park, 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth.

Memorials:  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mother and Unborn Baby Care, EWTN and Guadeloupe Radio.

Forever loved, deeply missed and entrusted to God’s eternal care, we take immeasurable comfort in knowing that Suzanne is whole, healed and at eternal peace in Glory.