ENGEL, Jane Demarest. Died January 19, 2018 at Meadow Lakes, East Windsor, NJ at the age of 97. Jane was born in Manhattan and grew up there as a proud New Yorker. She graduated from Wells College in Aurora, New York with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After graduation, she went into personnel work in New York City. Her most important job was as the Head of the Emergency Leave Section of the domestic office of the American Red Cross during World War II where she worked with military personnel on leave and with the war brides of combatants. She stopped her paid employment in 1947 when she married Joseph G. Engel, to whom she was married for over 52 years until his death in 2000. Jane and Joe raised their family in Westfield, NJ for 38 years before moving to Princeton, NJ in 1990. Jane moved to Meadow Lakes in East Windsor in 2008. Jane was the consummate volunteer and friend, working with a number of non-profit organizations. She was a co-founder of Mobile Meals of Westfield which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Jane is survived by her three sons, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: William V. Engel; Richard F. Engel (the late Brenda) – children: John J. Engel (Megan) and their son Hunter B. Engel, Robert M. Engel (Abi) and their son Graham B. Engel, and Elizabeth A. Engel; Robert J. Engel (Patricia) – children: William R. Engel, and Elizabeth E. Piombino (Michael), and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers. The family would like to express their gratitude to Jane’s caregivers, especially to her good friend and chief caregiver, Eileen Wintersteen.
Funeral services will be private. Donations in Jane’s name would be appreciated to Wells College, Office of Advancement, 170 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026 or to New Jersey SEEDS, 494 Broad Street, Suite 105, Newark, NJ 07102.
