Edwina Brown

Edwina C. Brown, age 87 of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023 exactly seven weeks after losing her youngest son, Chris. Born in Santa Fe in 1936 the eldest daughter of Ed and Mary Aragon, Edwina’s ancestral roots in New Mexico ran deep. Family, food, culture, language (English/ Spanish bilingual), and religion comprised the fundamental essence of her nature and way of being in the world and with all those around her. Edwina is best known for her generosity and giving spirit.

She went to work at a young age to help support the family and together with Lou Avolio ran Commonwealth Theatres from the third floor of the KiMo building. Back in the day, her official title was ‘secretary’. After almost a 20year collaboration with Mr. Avolio (she never called him “Lou,”) Edwina found her next calling in public service. She went to work for the City of Albuquerque and was promoted to supervisor in ISD (data entry) where she received Employee of the Year recognition. Edwina retired from the City of Albuquerque in 1998.

Edwina spent countless hours over five decades volunteering with The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, which started out primarily as a homeless shelter for men. Founded by Brother Mathias Barrett in 1951; his work has evolved into an organization that is now known as The Good Shepherd Center of NM, a leading provider of health and human services to vulnerable men, women, youth, children and families. Chairing the committee for the Annual Brother Mathias Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day, every aspect of the event became a true (obligatory) family affair. She could organize like a white tornado and had a bit of a ‘bossy’ streak. It was difficult, if not impossible, to say ‘no’ when Edwina asked. She developed a deep and lasting bond with Brother Mathias. Overlapping the five decades with The Brothers, Edwina also volunteered four decades serving her church community, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. She gave her time, effort, energy to so many ministries: RCIA, Eucharistic Minister, Altar Society, and Small Christian Communities, just to name a few. Significant, life-long relationships resulted from time spent with her fellow volunteers, parishioners, Father Gene and Abbot Joel.

Edwina is survived by her children, Vincent Brown and wife, Barbara, Patricia Brown- Katz and husband, Marshall, Martin Brown and wife, Geralyn; daughter-in-law, Shelly Brown; eight grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; sisters, Martha Fisher-Aragon and De Stutchman of Orlando, Florida; sister-in-law, Joan Aragon; and a large, extended family and many dear, dear friends.

Edwina is preceded in death by her husband, Harry “Andy” Brown, her son Chris, her brothers, Pat, Gene, Manuel, and Rey Aragon and a sister, Bernice Jensen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Norbertine Abbey, 5825 Coors Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 or Good Shepherd Center of NM, 218 Iron SW, Albuquerque, 87102.

Edwina was laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will occur on the one year anniversary of passing.