Obituary of Janet Gracyne Engdahl

Janet Gracyne Engdahl, 82, passed away on October 21, 2020 near her home in Fairfax County, Virginia. She was born at home in what is now Merriam, Kansas on May 1, 1938, as the only child of William and Dorthy Smith. Her mother loved her so much that she did not want to take the chance of bringing home the wrong child from the hospital!

She married her high school sweetheart, Roger P. Engdahl, on October 18, 1958. Roger preceded her in death by two months. Having been married nearly 62 years, Janet missed him dearly.

Janet was a gifted watercolor artist. She enjoyed painting with her friends, including during her yearly trips to Rockport, Massachusetts, where she took classes and produced many seascapes with her dear friend, Fran. A member of the American Watercolor Society, she entered her work in various shows over the years and won top prizes regularly.

But her greatest masterpiece was her family. Janet was a quiet, loving mother who stayed home to rear her four children. She loved being a mom and was involved in activities such as scouts and volunteering at school. She treasured moments with her grandchildren and two great grandchildren when they arrived. She was looking forward to the births of two more great-grandchildren. Quality time with family and friends meant so much to her.

Janet was active in all the Christian churches she attended over the years, serving in various capacities. She enjoyed singing in the choir and attending circle meetings at her most recent church, Herndon United Methodist. She was a good and faithful servant who was ever willing to help.

Janet is survived by her two daughters and two sons and their spouses, Stephen and Heather Engdahl, Kris and Dan Almquist, Martha and Thomas Shimkin, and Rick and Audrey Engdahl; and by twelve grandchildren, Karl Almquist, Sara Parker, Kimi Hannusch, Emily Detten, Knut Engdahl, Katja Shimkin, Sylvie Engdahl, Kerstin Shimkin, Robin Engdahl, Elvy Engdahl, Holdyn Engdahl, Austin Engdahl; and two great-grandchildren, Hayden Parker and Ryleigh Detten. She also leaves many friends behind, including Sandra Johnson from junior high school. They reared their children together, kept in touch all these years and spoke nearly every day in the final months. Janet will be missed by all these and many others who were blessed to know her.

 No donations or flowers are requested. Janet was kind to everyone; we ask only for your acts of kindness toward others. Roger and Janet will be buried when we can safely gather in person.