Mary Lou (Talbot) Engel

Mary Lou (Talbot) Engel, beloved wife, mother, and Nana died peacefully on February 27, 2025 at the age of 84. She was born November 6, 1940 in St. Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Lucille (O’Connell) Talbot. Also preceded by her sister-in-law, Margaret Mary (Engel) Bannigan, and her husband, John Bannigan, Jr., and her sister-in-law, Kathryn (Engel) Murphy.

Mary Lou lost the love of her life, Thomas J. Engel, just 7 months ago. She is survived by their 4 children, Suzanne (Frank) Zobitz, Cathy (Gene) Abbott, Tommy, and Liz (Tracy) Hogenson. Mary Lou has 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: Hannah Zobitz (Maxfield Rotert), Zoey and Xander; Frankie (Madelyn) Zobitz; Beth Zobitz (Brady Ballis); Anthony (Katie) Abbott, Ellie, AJ, and Henley; Kally Abbott (Ryan Venteicher), Skyler, Cayden and Rowan; Charlie Abbott; Tillie Hogenson. Also survived by her brother, Don (Margaret) Talbot and brother-in-law, Dan Murphy, as well as many nieces, nephews and godchildren. 

Mary Lou grew up attending St. John’s Elementary School on the East Side of St. Paul, before moving on to St. Joseph’s Academy. It was there that she discovered her passion for art, including watercolor, charcoal, and especially calligraphy. Her natural artistic talent led her to build a career in the field. Toward the end of high school, she met the love of her life, Tom Engel, and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage together.

Mary Lou cherished spending time with Tom, their children, and grandchildren, always eager to participate in any activity. She also valued her friendships and enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, and going to the movies.

Mary Lou worked briefly at the College of St. Thomas before choosing to become a full-time homemaker. Caring for others came naturally to her, as she lovingly cared for her children and, later in life, her mother. She took great pride in creating a warm, faith-filled home, often baking chocolate chip cookies to share with everyone. A gracious hostess, she paid attention to every small detail. As her children grew older, she worked part-time at several women’s boutiques.

Mary Lou was a woman of strong Catholic faith, and was a compassionate, caring, gentle soul. One of the ways she lived her faith was volunteering at Nativity of Our Lord parish, serving on the school board and teaching calligraphy to students, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and visiting homebound parishioners.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, March 19 at 10AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Visitation 8:30AM; brunch to follow Mass. Livestream available at https://www.youtube.com/@SJNChannel/streams. Interment at 1:30PM at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to MN Hospice, ProLife Across America, St. John Neumann Catholic Church or The Saint Paul Seminary.