Phyllis Elizabeth Wilson

Phyllis Elizabeth Wilson, affectionately known as "Lil P," passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents Philip H. Dorn and Elizabeth F. Dorn; siblings: Alice D. Flynn, Philip H. Dorn, Jr. (twin), James J. Dorn; children: Richard A. Wilson, Jeanne E. Wilson and Gregory Wilson (infant).

Phyllis was survived by her daughter Joan Garbagni and her husband Manuel Garbagni; granddaughter Sabree Garbagni and her husband Adam Bower, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was born after her twin brother, on January 1, 1928, in Malden, Massachusetts and grew up in Melrose, MA. She was voted most popular in the Melrose High School class of 1945. Phyllis attended Chandler Secretarial School, was married to Robert A. Wilson for 20 years, raised her children and worked hard; employed at the Woburn Street Elementary School in Reading, MA for many years. She spent a significant part of her professional life as a dedicated secretary and administrative assistant. Her colleagues admired her for her excellent skills.

She lived a fulfilling and vibrant life; living in Clearwater, Florida for a number of years, settling in Albuquerque in 1987. She embraced the landscapes of New Mexico and, after retirement, pursued her passions.

She was an avid golfer, joining the club leagues, enjoying the camaraderie of the fairway and the challenge of the game. Traveling was another of her great loves. She participated in many of the organized trips at the Highland Senior Center (HSC). She also traveled independently with friends and family. Phyllis had a particular fondness for the beach, and made regular trips to the ocean. She was an excellent dancer, and enjoyed the line dancing and exercise classes at the HSC.

Her love for animals was evident in her affection for her Siamese cats, Lap Dog Rescue poodles and box turtles, which she cared for with great dedication. Phyllis had a green thumb and took pride in her plants and garden. She liked to cook and relished good seafood.

Phyllis took great pleasure in sharing concerts and plays with her family. She participated regularly in her granddaughter's life with music filled shuttles from school and to activities, hosting birthday and graduation parties and holiday celebrations. She was particularly supportive of her granddaughter's education over the years.

Phyllis Elizabeth Wilson, or Lil P as she was lovingly known, will be remembered for being gregarious. She was a Kachina Greeter with the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, volunteered with Run for the Zoo, helped with Highland Senior Center activities and was a Red Hatter. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

The family would like to thank the staff of Morada Senior Living Memory Care for their kind and compassionate care of Phyllis as she lived her final years with Dementia and would also like to thank Luna Del Valle Hospice for the exceptional care in Phyllis' transition.

Phyllis will be laid to rest in a private graveside per her request.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Dementia Society of America, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Macular Degeneration Association, or a charity of your choice.