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Pittsburgh, PA--Nina Pugliese, a longtime employee and designer at Henne Jewelers, has died at 65, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[Image via Neely Funeral Home]

Ms. Pugliese joined the store at age 18, becoming the first hire after its 1978 move from East Liberty to Shadyside. Co-workers described her as central to the business, known for her ability to connect personally with customers. "You couldn't buy something off of her without her hearing your life story," her niece Naomi Pugliese said.

She died on September 25 from brain cancer. Born on February 17, 1960, she is survived by five siblings: David, Paul, Michael, Sam, and Joseph Pugliese.

Around 2000, she launched her own jewelry line, Exclusively Nina, featuring designs that owner John Henne called "creative" and ready to stand the "test of time." The company plans to continue the line using her sketches and unfinished renderings, the report noted.

Ms. Pugliese was also known for creating personal keepsakes for her family, including annual pearls given to her nieces to complete a necklace by age 18. Her niece Nina Thullen said she still wears the engagement ring her aunt designed.

"She not only provided special pieces for important times in peoples lives, but she also created a memory with it," said Juliet Slaby, director of private sales at Henne Jewelers.

As per the Post-Gazette report, Ms. Pugliese's career and relationships shaped the store's identity and built lasting bonds with customers.

Read more in this Post-Gazette report.