Iris Jacqueline Sinitch Dechter

July 21, 1939 – April 24, 2025

At 85 years old, Iris Jacqueline Sinitch-Dechter stood at the heart of a remarkable dynasty—a family built on love, strength, and unwavering devotion. Born on July 21, 1939, to Gertrude and Matthew Richards, Iris grew up surrounded by the values that would shape her into the extraordinary woman we were blessed to know and love. She shared a bond with her beloved brother, Marvin Richards, and his wife, Laura.

Her life became a true love story when she met Jerry Sinitch—the love of her life. At just 17, Iris married Jerry, then 20, beginning a lifetime of love, partnership, and shared dreams. Together, they raised four beautiful children—Beth, Annette, Martin, and, six years later, their surprise blessing, Steven—in a home overflowing with laughter, resilience, and unconditional support.

Iris was never just a mother—she was the soul of her family. A guiding light through every stage of life, she nurtured her children with fierce love and unwavering belief in their potential. She instilled in them the values of hard work, compassion, independence, and loyalty. Through every milestone, every challenge, and every triumph, she remained their biggest champion.

Her legacy continued to grow as her children built families of their own. Beth and Jan welcomed Kim and Matthew. Annette and John had Jillian and Paul, and with Shouki, she welcomed Tali and Maia. Steven and Goldie raised Brittany and Jessie. Her eight beloved grandchildren went on to bless her with twelve beautiful great-grandchildren: Kim and Brad’s daughters Isabella and Gabriella; Matthew’s son Ethan; Jillian and Brian’s son Aaron; Paul and Lindsey’s children Rachel, Jacqueline, and Benjamin; Tali and Alec’s sons Mason and Wesley; Maia and Jordan’s sons Eli and Daniel; and Brittany and Robbie’s daughter, sweet Lola.

Iris was the glue that held generations together. She created a family rooted in closeness, support, and shared tradition. She gave of herself endlessly—always showing up, always making time, always putting others first. She loved attending dance recitals, weekends at the track, and seeing her grandchildren perform on stage. She traveled the world with curiosity and joy, visiting places far and wide. But one of her greatest pleasures was being at sea—cruises were her happy place, where she could relax, laugh, and take in the beauty of life.

A true social spirit, Iris played cards and mahjong with her friends weekly. She was a night owl who loved staying up late watching movies, and no one read more books than she did.

She loved her family more than anything in the world. Even in hardship, she kept going with grace and determination. Her strength was quiet but mighty, her love deep and unconditional.

Iris, your love was boundless. Your heart has shaped generations, and your legacy will live on in every hug, every laugh, every story told around the dinner table. Thank you for building this family, for teaching us what it means to care for one another, and for being our guiding light.

You will be forever missed and endlessly celebrated.