Barbara J. Engel

Engel, Barbara J. (McFerran) WEYBRIDGE, Vt. Barbara J. (McFerran) Engel, age 57, passed into the spirit world peacefully on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at her home in Weybridge, Vt. Barb succumbed to liver cancer metastasized from ocular melanoma. Mary Oliver wrote, "Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields... Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness." From her childhood to the day she passed, Barb spread joy, love and friendliness. She had an unwavering faith in life and her own abilities; she protected those who needed her help, claimed her ground when standing up for her beliefs, was a safe harbor for patients, friends and family searching for a soft shoulder. She was truly beautiful inside and out; her effervescent smile and good cheer softened our hearts. Barb was a tender soul and a woman of conviction, an amazing mother to Tony, loyal and fun sister and aunt, and a remarkable partner for Doug. Born in Albany to Albert and Mary Patricia McFerran, Barb graduated from Bishop Maginn High School in Albany, received an associate's degree from State University at Cobleskill and a bachelor of science in occupational therapy from Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. An accomplished O.T. for over thirty years in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care agencies, Barb was loved and admired by her patients, peers, supervisors and supervisees. She married Doug Engel in 2000 in Westport, Conn. and they adopted Juan Antonio "Tony" Engel in 2005. Barb enjoyed teaching yoga and fitness, swimming, spending time in the Adirondacks and at seashores. But most of all she was at peace with her family, friends, and animals. Doug and Tony have tremendous gratitude having known Barb and deep sorrow missing her presence. Barbara will be cherished and remembered fondly by her mother, Mary Patricia (Henk) McFerran; her siblings, Mary Kay McFerran (Nick Dunn), Eileen McFerran (Dr. Jelane Kennedy), Arthur McFerran (Nancy Sheridan), Joseph McFerran (Pam McCarroll) and Kevin McFerran (Lauretta Zampier ); sister-in-law, Lynne Hartshorne-Venter; nieces, Kristin McFerran and Carrie McFerran, Brigid Dunn (Clara Kann) and Willa Dunn (Wes Phillips), Michelle McFerran and Christine McFerran, Mike McFerran, Regan McFerran and Bredon McFerran, Meghan McFerran, Aidan McFerran, Luke McFerran, Gwen McFerran and Rory McFerran. On Doug's side, Barbara is lovingly survived by and dearly missed by mother-in-law, Jane Engel; sisters and brothers-in-law, Liane Abrams, Ed Lichtig, Larry Engel and Kate Battuello; nieces and nephews, Sarah Abrams (Kevin), Gabrielle Lichtig, Asher Lichtig, Ellie Engel, David Engel and Noah Lyons. Barbara was predeceased by her father, Albert E. McFerran Jr.; her brother, Albert E. McFerran; and her sister, Anne Nardolillo (Joseph). A memorial service will be held at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, 2 Duane Court, Middlebury, Vt. on August 25, at 4 p.m. Before the service, please come to an open house gathering from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Engel home, 5224 Snake Mountain Rd. Weybridge, Vt. Memorial donations to honor Barb's life, faith and love may be made to Breadloaf Mountain Zen Community, P.O. 818, Middlebury, Vt., 05753. For more information on the service, you may contact Doug at dougengel07@gmail.com.