Janette Marie (Lackman) Engel, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died August 2, 2025. She was 69 years old.

Born on July 18,1956, Janette faced a lifetime of challenges with grace, and quiet strength. Diagnosed with scleroderma at the age of 9, she endured decades of pain and complications without ever allowing it to define her. She rarely complained, often choosing to laugh through it.

Janette married her first husband in 1976. That marriage ended in a divorce after years of suffering physical and emotional abuse. She had two daughters from that union and she worked hard to provide for them. Jerri Elizabeth was born in 1977, and Molly Marie followed in 1980. In 1989 Janette married the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Engel, Sr., with whom she shared 30 wonderful years until his passing in 2019. Through this union, she gained a beautiful extended family, including three adult children Barbara, Scott, and Chuck Jr., whom she loved as her own.

Janette worked in retail her entire life. She worked in grocery stores as a cashier, first in Kingston and Poulsbo, before moving to the Lake Cushman area in 1992. Janette retired from Fred Meyer in Shelton as a journeyman cashier.

Janette was an avid reader, particularly mysteries and true crime. One of her favorite pastimes was antique shopping in Long Beach with her beloved husband. Janette earned the nickname “Mouse” as a child for her petite size, never reaching past 4’10 on a good day. She collected mouse figurines as a result, as well as antique cookie jars, pottery, and salt and pepper shakers.

Janette will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. She leaves a void that can never be filled.

Janette is survived by her children; Jerri Lindley, Molly (Adam) Lynch, Barbara (Kevin) Mourer, Scott (Lisa) Engel, and Dr. Charles (Mimi) Engel, Jr. ; grandsons Thomas Lynch, Alec Lynch, Jason Hoff and Charlie Engel III; and granddaughter Alix Engel; her sisters, Bette Lackman and Karyn Lackman, and her brother, Dr. Michael Lackman.

Janette was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chuck Engel, parents Ernest Lackman and Shirley Lackman, as well as her beloved brother-in-law, Fred T. Morton.

Janette will be remembered for her strength, compassion, resilience, and laughter.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In honor of Janette, read a good book, hug someone you love, or show a quiet act of kindness to someone who needs it- just as she would have.