THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 1994 TAG: 9412060402
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUE SMALLWOOD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Peter G. Decker has a simple reason for giving to the Joy Fund.
``It is very dear to all of our hearts,'' the Norfolk attorney said. That's why, for the second year in a row, he has generously donated $10,000 on behalf of the late Celia Stern.
Decker is the executor of Stern's $5.5 million estate.
Stern, who died two years ago at age 93 in Virginia Beach, gave him unlimited authority to spend all of her money, as long as it goes to charity.
He believes the two Joy Fund contributions totaling $20,000 would have pleased Stern, who was familiar with the charity.
``I would really think that nothing would have been closer to the spirit of what Ms. Stern wanted to do with her money than the Joy Fund,'' Decker said.
``After all, it helps needy families. I believe that if she could somehow speak to me, she'd have said, `Nice work, Pete.'
``I did indeed discuss this particular charity with Celia while she lived and she said, `Oh yeah, they do good work, I like that.' While the estate won't last forever, as long as it's around, Celia will be visiting the Joy Fund each year.''
The Joy Fund supplies clothing and toys for needy Hampton Roads children. It was launched in 1934 by Ledger-Star editor Tom Hanes; this year, more than 30,000 children will receive gifts from the Joy Fund.
Decker, also known for his own extensive charity work, describes Celia Stern as a quiet, private person who kept to herself.
``She either liked you very much or she would have nothing to say about you,'' he said. ``She didn't talk badly about anybody.''
Stern, he added, ``was just a lady who never was married and worked hard while she did,'' eventually becoming part owner of the family restaurant-supply business.
``Her brothers left her very comfortable, and then the stocks and so forth accumulated,'' Decker said. ``I don't think she trusted just anybody, but if she liked you, then you were her friend. She was just a nice lady.''
Stern did not do a great deal of charitable giving while she was alive, Decker said, mainly because ``she didn't like to be pressured by people. So it's nice that she could do this after she left this earth.''
Stern's estate has also been the source of generous gifts to area colleges, churches and synagogues, medical research and environmental groups, as well as to agencies serving children.
Though some funds still remain in the estate's coffers, they are earmarked for charitable commitments.
``The estate is, for all intents and purposes, gone; it has been given away,'' Decker said.
For his part, Decker's just as pleased with the Joy Fund donations as he assumes Stern would be.
``While Ms. Stern would have been happy with many of the gifts I gave, I think she would have been as comfortable and happy with the Joy Fund gift as with any other charity,'' he said.
``And so am I.'' ILLUSTRATION: Norfolk attorney Peter G. Decker is executor of Celia Stern's
$5.5 million estate.
KEYWORDS: JOY FUND by CNB