[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 69 (Thursday, April 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DELIA ``DEE'' NILA BASILE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2025

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life 
of Delia ``Dee'' Nila Basile, whose spirit, energy and unwavering 
dedication to her family, community and heritage left an indelible mark 
on the City of Aurora.
  Delia ``Dee'' Nila Basile was born on April 10, 1950, as a proud 
member of the Nila family, one of Aurora's earliest Mexican immigrant 
families. The Nila family arrived in the United States in 1923, and her 
great-grandfather, Augustine Nila, was among the first to settle in 
Aurora. Like many immigrants, the Nila family contributed to their new 
community through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Dee carried 
that legacy forward with honor and joy, speaking often about her 
family's role in helping shape Aurora's identity and its immigrant 
communities.
  Dee attended St. Nicholas Grade School and graduated from Madonna 
High School, both in Aurora. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts 
degree from Northern Illinois University in 2011 at the age of 61--a 
testament to her determination and belief in lifelong learning.
  Dee began her professional path in the hospitality industry, where 
her charisma made her a standout presence. She later went on to work at 
Aurora City Hall for 18 years, contributing to many roles and quickly 
becoming known as one of Aurora's most dedicated public servants. Her 
energy and presence made her a true ambassador for the city, welcoming 
all who lived, worked, and visited with her signature smile and 
enthusiasm.
  After her retirement, Dee continued her service through the Aurora 
Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she championed local businesses and 
continued to work tirelessly to uplift Aurora's cultural vitality. She 
was a long-time board member of the Aurora Public Library Foundation, 
where she passionately supported educational access, literacy, and 
community programming. Throughout her lifetime, Dee volunteered 
thousands of hours to causes large and small. Whether it was a city 
celebration, nonprofit event, heritage initiative, or grassroots 
movement--if something meaningful was happening in Aurora, Dee was 
there.
  Dee was a keeper of history; she worked closely on countless cultural 
initiatives, ensuring that traditions and stories of the past had a 
strong, visible place in the present. She was instrumental in founding 
Aurora's Annual Parade of Nations, a celebration of the city's 
multicultural identity. In recognition of her unwavering service, the 
Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board established the Delia Nila 
Basile Award, presented annually to a resident, organization, or 
business that exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and cultural 
pride that Dee personified.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Aurora and grateful for Delia 
``Dee'' Nila Basile's service to her community. Her presence lit up 
every room she entered, and her commitment to her city, her family, and 
her culture left a permanent mark on the people of Aurora. I extend my 
heartfelt condolences to her family and invite my colleagues to join me 
in celebrating her extraordinary life.

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