Alyse Thea Calder

Alyse Calder, age 69, passed away shortly after an unexpected cancer diagnosis, with her family around her.

Alyse Thea Alkins was born in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, on December 13, 1956, to the late Jennie Anastasia (Struzinski) Alkins and Arthur Bruce Alkins. As the fourth of five children and living in close proximity to many extended family members, Alyse grew up with love and warmth. She regularly celebrated holidays and special occasions with dozens of family members across several generations. She loved attending family reunions throughout her life, including with her family by marriage. Family was very important to her.

Alyse attended Frankford High School in Philadelphia and Pierce Junior College. She worked at PSFS Bank, where she reveled in meeting Philadelphia Flyers "Broad Street Bullies" coming to her teller window to make change.

In 1978, she met Walter "Chip" Calder, Jr. They married in 1983 and lived in Wilmington, Delaware. They joyfully welcomed two children, Thea and Allison. Alyse worked in several jobs but found her calling for early education when she worked at the preschool Thea and Allison attended. She went on to work at another school and to be the Sunday School Coordinator at Trinity Episcopal Church for many years. Teaching and caring for young children for 35 years truly made her happy.

Alyse and her family enjoyed vacations over the years, including quite a few road trips, as well as several trips to Barbados, her favorite destination and where her grandfather was born. She proudly cheered at her kids' numerous sporting events and performances from childhood to present day. She also got a kick out of watching old television shows from her childhood. Alyse would talk to anyone, including making conversation with people standing in the checkout line. Every stranger was a friend.

She is predeceased by her mother and father, and sisters Arlene Clemens and Andrea Morgan.

She is survived by her husband, Chip, her children, Thea Calder (Brian Korschgen) and Allison Calder; her beloved granddaughter Anastasia; sister, Audrey Bownes (Buddy); brother, Bruce Alkins (Nancy Pace); brothers- and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Calder, Mark and Linda Calder, Jeffrey and Michelle Calder; lifelong friend, Anna Loh; aunts and uncles; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 5-7pm on February 18, 2026, at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, DE 19709. A funeral service will take place at 10:30am on February 19, 2026, with visitation starting at 10am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

A private burial will be held at Delaware Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Alyse's giving spirit by making a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society. https://diabetes.org/ https://www.cancer.org/