Obituary of Charlotte K. Engemann
Charlotte K. Engemann, 88, of Watchung, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Morristown Medical Center. Born on July 17, 1936, in Newark, NJ, to German immigrants Eugene and Helene Keller, Jr., Charlotte was raised in Irvington, NJ. After graduating from Irvington High School, she pursued secretarial studies at Berkeley Secretarial School, a decision that led to a fulfilling career as an executive secretary.
In a story of love that began early, Charlotte met the love of her life, Kenneth R. Engemann, while they were still in high school. Dad, three years her senior, attended mom’s senior high school prom. Their bond was nurtured through their teenage years; mom later waiting for dad to return from his military service, while stationed in Korea, blossomed into a lifelong love story, when they married and began building a beautiful life together. Charlotte initially worked at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, but after becoming a mother, she devoted herself to her greatest role as a homemaker. Later, as her children grew, she returned to work at Thomas and Betts first in Woodbridge and later in South Plainfield, NJ, where she resumed her secretarial career.
Throughout her life, Charlotte’s faith played a pivotal role. She was a long-time member of New Providence Presbyterian Church, where she found strength and community. Mom was very active within the Church helping prepare Sunday elements with our dad for Communion Sundays and was an active member of “Bible-in-a-Year’ reading program, started back in 2008. The group is still meeting to this day! Mom loved this Bible study group, which she often took the lead. A thrice breast cancer survivor of more than 40 years, Charlotte embodied resilience and grace, facing challenges with courage and living life fully.
Charlotte’s roots connected her to her love for cooking, particularly German dishes that reflected her heritage. She also found joy in gardening, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that matched the warmth she brought to her home. Charlotte and Kenneth shared a love of travel, exploring the wonders of the world together. Among their cherished adventures were domestic and international family trips and later just as husband and wife. Three favorite trips: all countries associated with the Holy Lands, to New Zealand, Australia, and an African safari, experiences that brought them even closer.
Yet, above all, Charlotte’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her husband, children, and especially her three grandchildren, who brought immense light to her life.
Charlotte leaves behind her devoted husband of more than six decades, Kenneth R. Engemann; her two loving sons, Kevin and his wife Karen, and Glenn and his wife Laurie; and her beloved grandchildren Gregory, Kyle, and Leanne.
She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:30 am at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 1307 Springfield Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974. A private family entombment will be at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or New Providence Presbyterian Church, 1307 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.
