Madelon Jean Wheatley Ellis, formerly of Hurlock, Bridgeville, and Laurel, died on Dec. 23, 2020 at her residence in Laurel. Madelon was born at Easton Memorial Hospital on June 13, 1932, a daughter of the late Alberta Lorraine and Herman Daniel Wheatley. She graduated from Hurlock High School in 1949 and St. Joseph School of Nursing, Baltimore in 1952. Her life’s passion was caring for the ill and teaching/mentoring younger nurses and aides at the hospital. She worked at Easton Memorial Hospital, Easton, Md. and Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford.
After marrying Dr. Pierce Ellis, she enjoyed assisting her husband as he served the local community as a family doctor. She was a member of the Sussex County Medical Society Auxiliary and Centenary United Methodist Church in Laurel. As a member of the Auxiliary and Centenary she was active in fundraising and supporting Nanticoke Memorial Hospital as well as the Red Cross and other charities. She loved to cook, do crafts, and do needlepoint.
Madelon was a loving daughter, wife, sister, stepmother and step-grandmother. She is survived by brother, William C. Wheatley, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX; sister Linda C. Spear (Levin), Felton; stepson D. Blair Ellis (Mary), Yorktown, VA; step-daughter, Joan E. Smith (Ronald), Collingswood, NJ; and son-in-law Robert J. Hellriegel (Bibi), Las Vegas, NV, with several nephews, nieces, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, W. Pierce Ellis, M.D.; her sister, Elsie Joan Wright, Hurlock; her aunt Margaret Rider of Sharptown; her stepdaughter, Ann E. Hellriegel; and her step-grandson, John Hellriegel. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Steve Maggio of Laurel and Melinda Gallimore of Seaford for their support, care, and friendship to Mrs. Ellis over the past few years.
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, burial will be private at Odd Fellows Cemetery, with a memorial service being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Mrs. Ellis’ memory to: TidalHealth Nanticoke, and Laurel Public Library. Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting, www.hsdfuneralhome.com.