HAMPSTEAD — Barbara Decker Zerby, 76, of Hampstead, North Carolina (formerly of Batavia), passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 surrounded by family in her home. Barb was born January 12, 1948 to Dr. Robert and Jeannette (Estrin) Decker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was united in marriage to Stephen P. Zerby on October 20, 1973.
Barb and Steve had the most unusual of meet-cutes in an ICU waiting room. They were married less than two years later. Barb worked for a short time as a special education teacher, working with brain-injured children. Once they started a family of their own, Barb stayed home with their three children.
It wasn’t until the loss of Barb’s mother to brain cancer and navigating her subsequent grief that Barb found her true passion and life’s work: Hospice. Barb started at Fox Valley Hospice in Batavia but spent the majority of her career with St. Thomas Hospice in Hinsdale, IL. Barb was deeply passionate about the work that Hospice does to care for families and to help people die with dignity. She worked as a Volunteer Coordinator and her greatest joy was teaching classes on death and dying.
One of the most extraordinary things was Barb’s ability to care for others even as she so courageously fought her own battle with cancer for nearly 27 years. She was strong, tenacious and persevered in all things.
When Barb wasn’t working (and particularly after she retired), she spent most of her time playing Bridge. Some of her dearest friends over the years have been her bridge partners. Barb also enjoyed traveling, reading, and competitively challenging her family and friends to Wordle each day.
Barb is survived by her deeply devoted and loving husband of over 50 years, Steve Zerby, their children: Geoffrey (Clare Rodgers) Zerby, Matthew (Amber) Zerby and Rev. Jennifer Zerby; their grandchildren: Caden, Tage, Zachary, Bennett, Emery, and Annelise Zerby and Alex and Evie Rodgers; her brother, Dr. Lawrence (Louise) Decker, several nieces and nephews and countless dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jeannette.
A memorial service will take Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Batavia Covenant Church, 1314 Main Street, Batavia, IL. 60510 with a luncheon to follow. Officiating the service will be Rev. Mark Nilson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Batavia Covenant Church, Hillcrest Covenant Church, or your local Hospice organization.
