Elizabeth Plowman (Bird) Decker, age 97, who lived in Wilmington, DE, most of her life, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Elizabeth was born on July 29, 1926, in Baltimore, MD to the late William Edwin Bird, and Bertha A. (Plowman) Bird.

Elizabeth was active in area musical events for many years. She was educated at Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and Goucher College, Towson, MD, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. Upon completion of studies, she continued with vocal coaching locally at the Frye Voice Studios, where she was also a teacher. Mrs. Decker was the widow of the late Harry T. Decker, a local singer/actor with whom she appeared in numerous musical productions. She was a soloist at several local churches and performed regionally in opera, oratorio, and recital. For many years she served on the board of directors of the Wilmington Community Concert Association where she held the position of concert chairman.

Mrs. Decker was a charter member of the Lyceum Players. She was also a member of the Capella Club, the Breck’s Mill Cronies, the Wilmington Opera Society, the Brandywiners, Ltd., the Performing Arts Society, the Madrigal Singers of Wilmington, and the Brandywiners Chorale. In 2001, she began the study of the Celtic harp and was a member of the Brandywine Celtic Harp Orchestra.

Mrs. Decker was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and sang in the Chancel Choir. She was a member of their International Ministry, teaching English as a second language to foreign students. She attended the Academy of Lifelong Learning. Mrs. Decker enjoyed swimming and belonged to the first synchronized swimming club in the area. She also taught swimming for the Red Cross.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughters: Deborah Anne Kiser (Daniel), and Cynthia Jean Burge (Weldon); four grandchildren: Timothy Kiser (Allie), Jessica Strojny (Steve), Christopher Burge (Chelsea), and Eric Burge; four great-grandchildren: Ella Strojny, Logan Strojny, Payton Kiser, and Landon Kiser.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Thomas Decker; and brother, William Bird.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at 11:00 am on November 9, 2023, at R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00 am. Burial will be private. The family is sincerely grateful for the staff at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center, who cared for our mother with patience and compassion during the past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the “Aldersgate United Methodist Church Music Dept.” and sent in care of R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc. To send an online condolence, please visit, www.rtfoard.com.