Genevieve Engel

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Genevieve "Ginger" Engel, who departed this life peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 81. A devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she brought warmth, joy, and boundless love to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on November 13, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Genevieve was the cherished daughter of Walter J. Weisseg and Anne Holts. She was raised in Chicago but decided to attend her last two years of high school at Prairie High School in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, associated with Prairie Bible Institute. After attending Prairie, she graduated from business school in Chicago. Her life’s journey was one of steadfast love and dedication to family, faith, and the community she held dear. A woman of deep faith, Ginger found strength and solace in her daily devotional prayers, which guided her through life’s challenges and joys. For 60 beautiful years, she was the devoted wife and steadfast partner to her husband, Thane P. Engel. Together, they built a life rich in love and shared dreams, a testament to their enduring bond. Ginger was a nurturing mother to her daughter, Kimberly Finkelstein, and son-in-law, Howard Finkelstein, whose lives she enriched with her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Joshua and Michael Finkelstein, whose accomplishments and happiness brought her immense joy. Ginger also leaves behind her beloved mother, Anne Holts, and her two sisters, Beverly Kozinski and Margie Thompson, whose close-knit bond brought profound comfort and laughter through the years. Ginger had a remarkable twenty-year career as an executive secretary, demonstrating her exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. She worked with several esteemed companies, including Hollymatic Corporation in Park Forest, Illinois, CNA Insurance in Chicago, Dillon Reed Investment Bank in San Francisco, and Swinerton and Walberg Construction Company in San Francisco, where she worked directly for the chairman of the board. Her professionalism and dedication were admired by all who had the privilege of working alongside her. An extreme animal lover, Ginger shared her home and heart with countless dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, and fish. She bred West Highland White Terriers and found joy in selling them to loving homes. A woman of many talents, Ginger had a passion for gardening and a deep love for flowers and plants. She had a natural knack for interior decorating and was known for her skillful and creative projects. She loved putting together large, elaborate jigsaw puzzles, often framing them as cherished gifts. A master of at-home DIY projects, she took pride in being an immaculate housekeeper and was a phenomenal cook, whose meals brought joy to her family and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Collison-Gramkow Funeral Home in Sanford, Florida. A memorial service celebrating her remarkable life will follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation (www.leukemiarf.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Her presence in our lives was a gift, her love a blessing, and her memory a treasure. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave. Rest in eternal light and love, dear Ginger. You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Arrangements entrusted to Collison-Gramkow Funeral Home & Crematory 500 E. Airport Blvd. Sanford, Florida 32773 Phone (407) 322-3213

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