Obituary of Linda Dechen

Linda Marie Dechen, age 76, a longtime resident of Vineland died peacefully at her son's home in Lewes, Delaware. Linda was employed by the City of Vineland for 43 years from 1957 to 2000. In 1985 she was appointed Business Administrator. She was reappointed to that position under several mayors given her dedication, honesty and knowledge of municipal government. Linda retired in 2000 spending time enjoying the company of her family and friends. During her long career, Linda received numerous awards from state and municipal governing bodies, unions and various civic organizations for her devotion to the City of Vineland and its residents. In 2000, the Tri-County Community Action Agency re-named the Vineland II Head Start Center to the "Linda M. Dechen Early Learning Center" in Linda's honor. To this day, the "Linda M. Dechen Early Learning Center" continues to provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families in Vineland. Linda was named Woman of the Year in 1994 by the National Business League of Cumberland County. Cumberland County College named Linda as one of their most distinguished alumnae. Linda served on many boards and commissions; most notably the Vineland Public Library Board of Directors and the Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Commission. Linda was an active member of the International County/City Managers Association (ICMA). Linda received awards from the city's senior and disabled community for her support of the "Cumberland County Meals on Wheels Program", from the city's unions for her "honesty and friendship to labor", from the Puerto Rican community for her "extraordinary assistance", from the Urban Network Organization for her "advancement of urban minorities" and countless others. Linda was loved by many in the Vineland community given her "devotion to the City of Vineland and her honesty in doing what was right despite party". Predeceased by her parents John and Linda (Webb) Dechen, brothers John "Jack" Dechen, William "Bill" Dechen and Paul "Skip" Dechen, nephews Kenneth "Kenny" Dechen and Jack "Jackie" Dechen. Linda is survived by son Scott Dechen and spouse James Maino of Lewes, Delaware, sister Patricia "Pat" (Dechen) Fitzgerald and sisters-in-law Kay (Galli) Dechen of Vineland and Millie (Apostle) Dechen of Florida, nieces Kathy Dechen, Patty (Fitzgerald) Hennessey, Karen (Fitzgerald) Rowan and Colleen Fitzgerald all of Vineland, Betty (Dechen) Astle of Florida and Kim (Dechen) Pollonais of Texas, nephews Steven Dechen of Vermont, Paul Dechen of Florida and Bill Dechen of Vineland, many extended family members and countless friends.