Edyth E. Wilson

Edyth E. Wilson, age 91, born in 1930 in the front bedroom of a two-bedroom house on a dirt road in El Paso.

Edyth Emma Liles began life in a way that created the determination that would be the hallmark of her life.

A child of a pioneer family that had ranched the Magdalena and Socorro ranges before the depression, she and her siblings schooled and worked through the war years. Edyth developed independence as her father worked as a pipe fitter and her mother raised the neighborhood's children while other parents worked in factories, for the railroad or at the military base. Edyth finished high school, started college, worked in retail, modelled for a department store, and became a pretty good dancer during these years.

When the war ended, she met Andy Wilson, fresh from his service in Japan, and married him in 1948. They bounced from California to Arlington as he worked as a draftsman in the aeronautical industry. Having two children in the process, Edyth encouraged, cajoled, demanded, and finally compelled Andy to obtain a college degree in engineering. While he attended classes at New Mexico State, she worked in El Paso for utility companies and banks to pay the bills, raised their two boys, and supervised their small duplex apartment. During these years of building a life for her family, Edyth contracted tuberculosis and was told she would not make it. As with all obstacles placed in her path, she won, overcoming that disease in a years-long battle.

Edyth and her family moved to Los Alamos in 1961. She raised her two boys and influenced scores of other young people as she got involved in the local schools, the little league, the cub scouts, and her Baptist Church. Like her mother during the war years, Edyth saw her role as supporting children whenever possible.

Edyth and Andy retired to Albuquerque and traveled the country, camped throughout the Rocky Mountains, and flew to European capitals. She left this life with no regrets.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Joe and Edith Liles, and her brother, Hank. Her little sister, Mary Jo Liles survives her. She is survived by her husband, Andy, and their two sons, Joe (Benicia) and Alan (Jan). Her grandchildren were all influenced and mentored by Edyth and are Julie (Nathan), Ashley (Tyler), Alexandra (Max) and Sam (Kacey). Her great-grandchildren are Owen, Cody, August, Adelyn, and Oliver. All of her family live in the Albuquerque area.

Edyth's life was greatly enriched and eased by caregivers over the last year. She expressed her overwhelming gratitude to Norma, who has been caring for Edyth and Andy for the past year, and Ray, who made Edyth's care 24/7 during the last several weeks. They are both remarkable and gracious women. The entire family is greatly appreciative.

Private services have been arranged.