Elynore L. Decre

Elynore L. Decre, age 87, of Bethany Beach, DE, formerly of Laurel and Columbia, MD, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE.

Elynore was born in Atlantic City, NJ, on March 26, 1938, the daughter of the late Peter Guido Madaleno and the late Elynore Louise (Gillespie) Madaleno. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where she received her associate degree.

Elynore began her professional life as a legal secretary, where her attention to detail and warm personality were quickly appreciated. She later devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family, a role she considered her most important and rewarding work. Once her sons were older, she returned to the workforce and built a successful career as a real estate agent with Long & Foster.

Community service was central to Elynore's life. In Laurel, she volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club, generously giving her time and energy to support local youth. After moving to Bethany Beach, she embraced her new community with enthusiasm, becoming involved with Best of the West and Lunch with a Purpose. She was also a member of Cripple Creek Country Club and dedicated several years to supporting the Pink on the Patio fundraiser, reflecting her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard S. Madaleno, Sr.

Elynore is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Martin A. Decre; two sons, Christopher Decre of Ashburn, VA, and Matthew Decre and his wife, Cheryl, of Elkridge, MD; three grandchildren, Julia Ly and her husband, Bruce, of Georgetown, KY, Alexander Decre of Norfolk, VA, and Hanna Decre of Columbia, MD; one great-grandson, Luke Decre; a sister-in-law, Katherine Madaleno of Bethesda, MD; and a nephew, Richard S. Madaleno, Jr. and his husband, Mark Hodge, of Kensington, MD.

Services and burial will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Elynore's name to the Dementia Society of America by visiting www.dementiasociety.org

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com