Sister Elizabeth Engels

Engels, Sister Elizabeth Ann, 94, a Sister of St. Joseph for over 70 years, entered eternal life at Marian Hall, Mt. St. Mary Convent in Wichita on December 2, 2022. She was born October 23, 1928 in the Sedgwick County home of her parents, Matthew M. and Elizabeth Brady Engels and given the name Josephine Marie. After completing elementary school, she attended Rose Hill High School for a short time, then entered the Congregation of St. Joseph on September 4, 1945, receiving the habit March 19, 1946 at which time she was given the name Sister Elizabeth Ann. First and Final profession followed on July 29, 1948 and July 26, 1951.

Her own continuing education included a B.Ed. from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS and a M.Ed. from Notre Dame. The years of study prepared her for her continuing ministry as a teacher and principal during her years of ministry. During those years, she taught mostly primary grades and was principal at diocesan schools in Kansas, Groves, Texas, and Paso Robles, CA. There are many adults now who fondly remember her as their primary grade teacher, a joyful and quiet teacher who loved her little students. In 2000, she retired from teaching and moved to Mt. St. Mary’s Convent to continue her ministry with the Sisters. She was a sacristan, volunteering to help with activities when she was able.

She was preceded in death by per parents and eight siblings: Marguerite Linot, Mary Ridder, Irene Ridder, William Engels, Joe Engels, John Engels, Lawrence Engels and Robert Engels. In addition to members of the Congregation, she is survived by her brother Clarence (Joyce) Engels and many nieces and nephews. Homecoming will be Monday, December 12 at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Wake at 6:30. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in Resurrection Chapel, 3700 E. Lincoln St., Wichita, Kansas on Tuesday December 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Congregation Retirement Fund, Dear Neighbor Ministries, or Blessed Sacrament School.