Obituary of Carol Ann Decaire

Carol Ann Decaire, mostly known as Mom or Nana, passed away at home on April 9, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 22, 1946, in Crookston, Minn., to Monica (Sherry) and Joseph Roy, and grew up in Hastings. She met Jeffrey Decaire on a blind date while they were both working at 3M, and they were married in 1974, making their home in North St. Paul.

She was preceded in death by her parents. In addition to her husband of 49 years, she is survived by their three children, Shannon Rhoades, Mike (Robin) Decaire and David Decaire; grandchildren Marissa (Michael) Henry, Matthew (Morgan) Rhoades, Kristin Decaire, Keiwan Decaire, Clark Decaire, Eliot Decaire, and Tierney Decaire; and great-grandchildren Cody and Rory. She is also survived by her sister, Monica Roy, and her brothers Steve (Mary) Roy and David (Darlene) Roy, and many nieces and nephews.

Carol's life revolved around family. She provided daily care for several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was always up to cook or bake her family's favorite foods, from her own mom's chocolate cookies to Papa's birthday pasties. Nana was always ready to nurse a sick child, plant a fairy garden, wrap a towel around a little one emerging from the pool, or just sit and talk and laugh. She might not have been a sports fan, but she was a constant cheerleader at her family's baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, dance, and gymnastics events.

Her family would like to thank her care teams at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, St. John's Hospital, and Grace Hospice.

A memorial service is at 11 Am., Thursday, April 18, at Church of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard Street., Maplewood, with visitation starting at 10 Am. In lieu of flowers, Carol would be best remembered with a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).