Bernadette Lavonia Carroll Engel, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on August 20th, 2026. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas on November 21st, 1949. She was 76 years old.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles “Chili” Engel, Sr, and her parents, Bernard and Mary Lavonia Carroll.
She is survived by her son, Charles Edward Engel, Jr.; her sisters Terri Eaton and Betsy (Arno) Penshorn; sisters-in-law Beth Engel (Dennis Weltman) and Rosemary Engel Witten (Steve Foster); and brothers-in-law Milton Engel Jr. and Marvin Engel Sr.
Bernadette was also aunt to Melissa Witten, Mary Beth Witten, Marvin Engel Jr., Carolyn Judge, Steve Penshorn, Audrey Megill, Amanda Staff, and Abbey Browne.
Bernadette grew up in Alice, Texas, where she met her husband “Chili”. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Seidel CPA firm in Alice. After moving to San Antonio twenty-five years ago, Bernadette spent most of her time volunteering with schools and Shearer Hills Baptist Church. She especially enjoyed working in the kitchen providing food for the congregation. She was one of the founding members of Fiesta Texas Especial. Bernadette enjoyed gardening and had a beautiful backyard and patio. Bernadette was a loving caretaker and special advocate for her son Charles.
Bernadette will be remembered for the love she gave to her family and friends and the special place she held in the hearts of those who knew her. Her memory will live on through her son, her family, and the many people who were fortunate enough to share her life.
A Funeral service will be held at Shearer Hills Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Alice, Texas, at 3:00 pm.
