Alvenia Madera

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alvenia Edna Madera (nee Pruett), who passed peacefully November 17, at the age of 85, after a brief illness. Born in Baltimore, MD, November 30, 1938, to the late Louise Elizabeth (nee Gutenko) and James Allen Pruett, Alvenia was loved by every person she met along her life journey, touching each with words of encouragement, a generous spirit, her tremendous work ethic, and a wonderful sense of humor.

Alvenia was a loving and devoted wife to her husband of 45 years, Carl Andrew (Andy) Madera, and proud and caring mother to their seven children. She was predeceased in death by Andy (March 1, 2004). She is survived by her devoted children Jeffrey Michael (Robin) Madera; Lisa Diane Madera; Alan Gerard (Amanda) Madera; Russell James (Jana) Madera; Anthony Pruett (Karen) Madera; Pamela Marie (Billy) Harrison, and Jason Merle (Angela) Madera. She treasured every moment as the beloved “Marmee” to her 15 grandchildren (Luke, Rachel, Abby, Eli, Jayce, Christian, Emma, Eddie, Bryce, Jared, Miranda, Keegan, Caleb, Valentino, and Sophia), three step-grandchildren (Colton, Ethan and Anthony Becker), and four great-grandchildren (Coleman, Gilbert, Lewis, and River) and never missed the opportunity to send birthday cards and many other acknowledgements for every special occasion or celebration. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Patricia Rosalie (Arthur) Elsner, and numerous nieces and nephews.

As a young girl, she was a longtime resident of Odenton, MD, graduating from Arundel Senior High School in 1956. She loved the (still going) monthly gatherings of fellow classmates each month at Perry’s of Odenton, until moving to Campobello, SC, four years ago, and often talked of how much she missed the great friends that had gone on before, and, of course, those she was blessed to see at the monthly lunches.

In 1994, she and Andy had moved to Cambridge, MD, to begin their retirement years, where they welcomed all who would visit, and made new friends in their many activities on the Eastern Shore.

In 2020, Alvenia left Cambridge, and relocated to South Carolina to live with Pam and Billy, where she continued to enjoy life in a new church family, meeting a new group of lady friends that would regularly gather for walks, lunches and Bible study.

Alvenia was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty, whether doing housework, yardwork, volunteering at a multitude of dinners and fundraisers on behalf of St. Augustine Church and School in Elkridge, or helping at the Salvation Army in Cambridge. She loved to keep busy… and was a stellar cook and would bake amazing cakes and pies to the delight of family and friends alike. Alvenia was the quintessential hostess when anyone came to visit, and there was never a lack of delicious homemade soups, salads, stews, sauces, casseroles, lasagna, soft-shelled crab sandwiches, fried chicken, desserts, or…. you name it! No one ever left hungry, and, in many cases, they were gifted leftovers.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the Salvation Army, whose ministry is motivated by the love of God, and whose mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. This is an organization that speaks so eloquently on how Alvenia lived her earthly life.

Rest in peace, Mom. Thank you for everything, Marmee. We will miss you madly, Aunt Alvenia. We will treasure the memories, Ms. Alvenia. Your legacy of love, laughter, and strength will forever live on in the hearts of all of us… your family and friends, and everyone whose life you touched.