Sara Jacquelyn (Merritt) Engels

Sara Jacquelyn Engels  known to friends as “Jackie”, (84) earned her angel wings after a lengthy illness on Monday, January 2, 2023. She was born August 20, 1938, in Pensacola, FL to Annie Laurie Burgess Merritt Taylor and Lofton Scott Merritt, Sr.  Jackie graduated from Pensacola High School, and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Pensacola, FL.  Jackie was a registered nurse for over 35 years at Riverside Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

She is survived by her husband Donald R. Engels, Sr. they shared their lives with 62 years of marriage and four children Pam Bennett (Rusty), Dr. Donald R. Engels, Jr., Karen Krueger (Matt), Kevin Engels (Beth).  Grandchildren – Sara Wynn (Jason), Krist Bennett (Randi Jean), Jennifer Pike (Thomas), Courtney Nix (Scott), Martin Krueger, Sean Engels.  Great grandchildren – Lyle, Sydney, Conner, Cooper, Natalee, Logan, Callie, Nate, and Charlotte, and her brother Edwin Ray Merritt. … and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Marilyn Fay Merritt, Mary Yvonne (Kitty) Merritt Joyner, brother- Lofton S (Red) Merritt, Jr, and her beloved pet Blossom.

Jackie was a kind soul, who enjoyed camping, quilting, trips to Pensacola Beach, but most of all, spending time with her family, friends and her longtime “Bosom Buddies” (Mom’s nursing schools sisters and her hospital co-nurses) - she always enjoyed a “real good get together”.

A Rosary starting at 10:00am followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00am will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32221, with Reverend Luke McLoughlin officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32221.

A heartfelt Thank You to mom’s caregivers - Community Hospice of Jacksonville and Aymee Taylor.

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