Delia (Pilon) Adwell

Delia "Aunt Dee" Pilon Adwell, born in Blanco, New Mexico on Monday July 28, 1919, died peacefully at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

She was preceded in death and was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Odilon and Clara (Jacquez) Pilon, her husband Tom Adwell, six of her seven brothers and sisters and generations of other family members and friends.

She is survived by her brother, Leo Pilon of Albuquerque, many nieces, and nephews - from first generation to triple-great - and her beloved poodle Missy.

Dee Adwell came to Albuquerque in 1949 and became a grand lady of fashion and couture in the growing city. After apprenticing for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas, she managed the Lerner's Shops in Downtown Albuquerque and then eventually opened the store next to the Highland Theatre. She later owned and operated the Empress Shop, making hundreds of brides happy, and dressing debutantes for the annual Senorita Ball. Throughout her busy career, Dee supported and became President of Zonta International Club of Albuquerque, a group of professional women dedicated to promoting the education of women in the local community and world-wide.

She loved her Shalimar perfume, salon day every week, traveling in the Airstream, anything pink and everything that sparkled.

Her family will miss her iron will to succeed, her advice - both solicited and unsolicited - her deep devotion to her family and her faith, and her posole at Christmas.

For their phenomenal end-of-life care, a very special thank you goes out to her nephew Joshua Maddox, his wife Kristin and their three kids, Joshua, Timothy, and Sheila, as well as her niece Jonnie Pearce, and Davery Gallegos and Heather, the hospice nurse.

Aunt Dee, oh good and faithful servant, you fought the good fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith. Rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Animal Humane Society of Albuquerque or Joy Junction of Albuquerque.