Emily Padon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emily Padon, aged 73, on January 26, 2025, while surrounded by her family. Emily was a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, known for her unwavering kindness, loyalty, and hard work. She dedicated her life to her family and her faith in God, leaving a lasting legacy not only with her family and friends but also in her church community. Emily is survived by her sister, Patty Padon; her brother, John Padon and wife, Dejah; her sister in-law, Susan Padon-Gallegos; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 3:00 p.m., at Calvary Church, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE, where friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and share cherished memories.

Emily was born in Albuquerque on December 21, 1951, to James and Betty Padon. She attended Our Lady of Fatima, graduated from St. Pius in 1970, and graduated from University of New Mexico with a degree in Psychology. That degree went on to help her, I'm sure in her lifelong business of studying and selling fine wines. She worked for many great restaurants in Albuquerque starting in the waitressing end and then running most of them. She started at Montana Mining Company, then went to Ned's El Portal, and the Rio Grande Yacht Club, eventually managing the "New Ned's", the Seery's restaurant, then back to Rio Grande Yacht club before taking her final job at National Distributing company which took her to living in Santa Fe for 8 years and returning to Albuquerque as Director of Fine Wines for National. She loved her job because she loved all of her customers and the people she met through this work. Her favorite part was the ability to work for 20 years on the Santa Fe Wine and Chili board of directors in creating one of the most well known prestigious events in NM. She loved that event and all of the people she worked with over the years running that event.

Emily was a master seamstress making most of her own clothes. There wasn't anything she couldn't create with fabric. She was extremely talented.

She was heartbroken when her older brother, Jim Padon Jr., passed away with brain cancer in 2007. That brought her to Calvary Church since Jim had been very involved with the church. This is when she found her faith. She was baptized and became very involved in the church and all of its volunteer projects within the community. She traveled to Israel twice through the church and never missed a sunrise service at Easter. I know that the Lord wanted her to come home because he took her quickly after she developed Advanced Alzheimer’s disease. We were so glad she was able to stay in her home up until the last month of her life. I would like to thank the caregivers at the Compassionate Care Home. You were so great with her, and she seemed at peace those last days. Emily will be greatly missed by her family and her large circle of friends.