Delia Thornell, ?Susie?, died at age 86 at her residence November 14, 2011 after a long illness. She was one of three children born in Port Arthur to Thomas Aleman and Isabel Martinez.

In her early 20?s she was married to Joe Gonzales and had her only son, Thomas G. Gonzales.

Delia made her mark in history being one of the first woman motor winders in this area. Her strength and determination allowed her to excel in this field paving the way for other women like her. During World War II, Delia contributed to the war effort as a welder, building battleships at the Pennsylvania shipyard in Beaumont.

During her lifetime Delia held many occupations, such as an elevator operator at the Goodhue Building, an employee in the nursery at St. Elizabeth and a motor winder at Smith Belting and Westinghouse.

Delia was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Tomasa Campbell; a brother George Aleman and her husband Joe Gonzales.

Surviving Delia are her son, Thomas George Gonzales, Sr; granddaughters, Felicia Reyes, Theresa Nolan, Sabrina Smith; grandsons Thomas Gonzales, Jr., Dave Gonzales; 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.