Obituary of Elizabeth A. Engel

Elizabeth A. (Betty) Engel of Perkinsville, 94 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 7, 2025, at The Vincent House Comfort Care Facility in Wayland. Betty was born in Perkinsville to William and Lillian (Bricks) Didas on February 17, 1930. She grew up in the local tavern and hotel named the Miller House, run by her parents. She married Adam Engel on June 21, 1952, and they raised their family in Perkinsville. They enjoyed 62 years together until his passing in 2014. In addition to her dedication to her family, Betty exemplified the spirit of community service. She was a Girl Scout leader for 44 years. She served as a founding member and/or officer for The Wayland Little House, Wayland Community Service Center, Wayland Kitchen Cupboard, Community Chest, Wayland Free Library, and the Wayland Historical Society. She wrote the Perkinsville News column for 45 years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and involved in various activities of the parish, including starting the Golden Agers. Betty was a pillar of the Perkinsville Community, planting and maintaining beautiful beds of flowers along Chapel Street. Betty had a passion for serving and helping others in need. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, playing cards with friends, spending time with her family, and traveling. She was known for her generosity and giving nature. She also started and participated in an exercise group for seniors called Bone Builders, promoting health and wellness in her community. Betty is survived by her three children: daughter Nancy (Robert) Reigelsperger of Wayland, James (Karen English) Engel of Geneva, and David (Robin) Engel of Canadice; grandchildren Amaris Elliott-Engel (Jason Rearick) of Geneva, Jill (Mitchell) Reid of Virginia Beach, and Jeremy Elliott-Engel of Hawaii; two step-grandchildren Brenna English-Loeb of Denver Co, and Forrest English-Loeb of Syracuse; four great-grandchildren Landon, Weston, Jaxson, and Gavin; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Adam J. Engel, brothers Bernard, Stanley, and Robert Didas, sister Viola Riccio, and grandson Ryan Reigelsperger. Betty’s family and friends may call Sunday February 16, 2025 from 1-4pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Betty on Monday February 17, 2025 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville. Memorial donations can be made to the Vincent House Comfort Care Facility, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572, Wayland Historical Society, 100 South Main St., Wayland, NY 14572 or the Perkinsville Fire Company, PO Box 152, Perkinsville, NY 14529. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and volunteers of the Vincent House, Care First (Hospice), and special caregivers Barb Rawleigh and Terry Johnson.