Eltje Hendrika van Engelenburg

It is with deep sadness and loving remembrance that we share the passing of our extraordinary friend, Eltje "Els" Hendrika Van Engelenburg. Els passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, after a brief illness.

Els was born in Amerongen, The Netherlands, and throughout her life, she proudly retained her Dutch heritage. In 1991, she moved to the United States, becoming a U.S. citizen eight years later-a milestone she treasured. Els spent 27 years as a nurse in The Netherlands, with her last five years spent teaching nursing in The Hague. After meeting Bill, her cherished husband, she relocated to the U.S. and began a new journey in hospitality. This shift enabled them to explore the world together, creating countless memories and unique adventures.

Els was also known for her adventurous nature and passion for travel. She visited various international destinations and appreciated new experiences with curiosity. Her accounts of her journeys were communicated with so much enthusiasm that it often encouraged others to broaden their own horizons.

Els' generosity was evident in her involvement with Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation, where she focused on clean water and education. She believed basic needs are vital for peace and partnered with organizations like IHE Delft and Hanwash to provide sustainable solutions to communities.

Els will be remembered most for her zest for life. She cherished meaningful friendships and had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel appreciated and welcome. Her generosity, sense of humor, and lively presence helped her create lasting connections that will live on.

She is now peacefully reunited with her beloved husband, Bill van Engelenburg; her mother, Dirkje (Dicky) Venlders; her father, Gerard Van Gunst; her brother, Dicky Van Gunst; her sister-in-law, Hansje Janssen; and her niece, Edmee Van Gunst.

A devoted circle of family and friends survives Els, carrying forward her legacy of wholehearted living, generosity, and deep affection.

Els will be lovingly missed by her brothers, Henny Van Gunst and Guus Van Gunst (with his wife, Ria Mollema); nieces, Kirsten Van Gunst and Yvette Mollema; her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her stepson, Bill VanEngelenburg (and his wife Jennifer VanEngelenburg); and her stepdaughter, Carol Bennett (and her husband Tom).

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for April 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, located at 206 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville, FL 32796. Friends and family are welcome to come together to share stories, laughter, and memories in tribute to a well-lived life. Reflecting Els' generous nature, the family suggests performing acts of kindness in lieu of flowers.