Elizabeth Downs Engelken

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend died peacefully at home January 17 at the age of 77. Mrs. Engelken is survived by her children Elizabeth Engelken Stevens (Ben), Jane Delia Engelken, Richard Conrad Engelken II (Lori), 10 grandchildren, nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Albert Engelken; brother, John Downs and her parents William and Mary Downs. Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, she was a graduate of Conard High School and Wheelock College. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1964 to begin her teaching career where she met her beloved husband Albert. They made their home in Alexandria, Virginia where they raised three children and were lifelong parishioners of the Basilica of St. Mary’s. She taught second and third grades at St. Mary’s and Blessed Sacrament schools in Alexandria, retiring in 1998 after 26 years. She dedicated much of her time in retirement to the MaRiH Center, a pregnancy care center in Alexandria. Betsy was the heart of the Engelken family. Her devotion to her husband and children was unwavering. A devout Catholic, Betsy had a deep faith in God that sustained and strengthened her. She loved dogs and shared with Albert a passion for baseball. She was an avid reader and loved to travel. She cherished her friends and family with whom she shared many jokes, laughs and stories. Above all, Betsy always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 5:00p to 8:00p at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 South Washington Street, Alexandria. The funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary, 310 South Royal Street. Internment will take place at St. Mary’s cemetery following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MaRiH Center in Alexandra, the Patient Care Fund at Phoenix House Mid-Atlantic, the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Convent of San Damiano, or the Paul Stefan Foundation, www.paulstefanhome.org