Obituaries

Elizabeth Jane Engel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and artist, passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on September 15, 1933, in Eau Claire, Michigan, to Burton and Jane Richards, Liz grew up on the Elburja Farm, where her love for animals, art and nature was nurtured.

A graduate of Drake University, Liz earned a BFA degree in merchandising and art.  She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Her professional career began at Marshall Fields in Chicago, where she was responsible for custom fabric and design of clothing fabrication. Her artistic talents were evident throughout her life, as she created beautiful drawings and paintings inspired by the natural world.

Liz met Larry Engel in Chicago, and the two were married, establishing a family that included their children John, Mary, and Jane. They raised their family in Lombard, Illinois, Murray Hill, New Jersey, and St. Charles, Illinois where they have spent the last 51 years. Liz was a devoted member of Saint Charles Episcopal Church and was active with the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Liz enjoyed travel, often sketching during her journeys and transforming the sketches into larger paintings. Her love for sports, particularly the Cubs and Bears, was a significant part of her life.

Liz is survived by her husband Larry; children John Engel (Tami), Mary Engel (Chris Fromm), and Jane Wolff (Alan); and her grandchildren Kelsey Engel, Lindsey Engel Worek (Brian), Carlo Nasisse (Maria Luisa Santos), Olivia Fromm, Kyle Fromm, Mary Wolff, Anita Wolff, and James Wolff. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and devoted wife who saw beauty in every aspect of life.

A memorial service will be held on September 14, 2024, at Saint Charles Episcopal Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the memorial service at 11 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Charles Episcopal Church Music Program.

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