Ann M. Engle

With deeply thankful hearts, we celebrate the life of Ann M. Engle, long-time resident of Tabb, Virginia, who passed away on September 10, 2023.
Though we say goodbye to her beautiful physical form, her loving spirit lives on with each sweet memory.
Ann McBee was born an “unexpected twin.” Two hours after her sister Mary arrived, what the doctor thought was a tumor was, in fact, baby Ann! And she continued to surprise and delight those in her sphere for almost 87 years.
Red-headed Ann and her blond twin, Mary, were raised with two older and adored brothers, Jack and Tom, in a house their grandfather built. She grew tall ~ six feet ~ and was always happy when engaged in physical activities of dancing, twirling a baton, doing cartwheels, and roller skating. May Day celebrations found her wearing clover crowns and weaving around a beribboned May Pole with her friends. She aspired to lead the band as the Drum Majorette, but life took a different turn.
While walking downtown with her sister, a handsome guy caught her eye through an electronics shop window where he was working. She winked at him. That weekend, he showed up at the town roller rink…and they skated through life together for the next 70+ years!
With her Army officer husband, Charlie, they left their home state of West Virginia and reported to New Jersey and then later to California, “with only a rug and radio”. After a lovely time in the sunshine, he got orders to transfer to Korea, so they drove back across the country. He says they had to stop “at every telephone pole” because she was suffering morning sickness with her first pregnancy. She nestled in with her doting parents, Eliza and Robert McBee in West Virginia while Charlie went to serve his country. That spring, she delivered a daughter, Susan, while Charlie served in Korea. When he returned and finished his degree in Electrical Engineering, they relocated to Ohio where their son, Charles, was born. In the late 1950s, Charlie was hired by NASA/Langley so they moved to Virginia. There, they designed and built their own home together surrounded by a close-knit “family” of neighbors. Many decades of families sharing celebrations, heartache, tools, and support created a culture of love and trust that continues to this day.
Ann’s love of music included playing the guitar and piano as well as singing and dancing. She performed in local productions sponsored by the York Lions Club, sang in the church choir for years, and lent her voice to the ‘Sweet Adelines’ Barbershop Chorus. She also created and dressed as a sacred clown character, “Stretch” offering comfort where needed.
Her desire to grow spiritually led her to attend retreats at Shrine Mont, The Well, and Chanco-on-the-James. She received her degree from University of the South at Sewanee for Education for Ministry, a four-year distance theological program, in 2002. Afterward, she continued to gather with a small cadre of women to explore the sacred in daily life via art, poetry, dance, meditation, and music. That group shared loads of fun, laughter, and wisdom together for many years.
A lifelong Episcopalian, she served her church as a chalicer, member of the altar guild, the choir, as a church preschool teacher, and Lay Eucharistic Minister to shut-ins. Her natural empathy and excellent communication skills found a niche when she volunteered as a lay-counselor for students in tandem with the university chaplain at Christopher Newport University.
During midlife, Ann discovered a new passion ~ golf! Her natural athleticism, love of being outdoors, and the camaraderie of friends made this sport a perfect fit. Of course, the stylish colorful clothes added to her joy on the links! Her skills were honed with lessons and years of playing on courses from Virginia to Florida.
She is remembered as one who always offered a compassionate ear, a warm smile, and loyal friendship. She loved her family and friends deeply, enjoyed music and sharing jokes, playing golf, writing poetry, and dancing.
Cherished memories live on through her devoted husband of over 70 years, Charles Engle, her daughter Susie Engle (Bill) and son Chuck Engle II (Marsha), beloved grandsons Joshua Hill and Chas Engle III (Hailey), and great-granddaughter, Emma Engle. Also her memory continues on through her dear twin sister, Mary Ogden, many devoted nieces and nephews, and decades-long friends and neighbors.
Our family is deeply grateful for the compassionate support of the Interim Hospice Team led by Tara. Also we have been touched by the love and kindness of friends at the Poquoson Library, members at The Victory YMCA, and Rick’s Two Left Feet dance studio. We will gather to celebrate her life and commend her soul to the love and safe-keeping of God on October 17, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, at 11:00 am. If desired, memorial gifts may be sent to Grace Memorial Fund.