Eileen "Sue" Rose Engler

Eileen “Sue” Engler

Age 84, of Northville formerly of Grosse Ile, she passed away on January 16, 2023. She was born on December 7, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Michael and Marie (Austin) Conway. Sue, as she was known by her family and friends, was united in marriage to John R. Engler on February 23, 1963; they spent 57 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on November 1, 2020.

Sue graduated from Cass Technical High School; class of 1957. Growing up, her childhood best friend was Lily Tomlin; together they shared many free-spirited adventures. Their friendship grew over the years which led Sue to joining Lily on stage during talk shows and interviews. Sue’s gregarious personality allowed her to hold her own with Lily’s comedic personality.

Sue was an amazing wife, mother, and nana. She was a great cook and loved to bake; she taught her granddaughters how to bake the most delicious Christmas cookies. She had over 500 cookbooks and hundreds of recipes that helped her host Sunday family dinners and holiday gatherings. Sue liked to collect tea pots and platters from her many outings. She was an avid reader, and also spent many years volunteering at a number of community charities that focus on feeding local residents.

Sue traveled yearly with her husband. Despite her Irish heritage, she had an affinity to Royal culture and her favorite destination was London. It was her dream to live there. Above all else, her family was the most important aspect of her life. When the first grandchild was born, John and Sue sold their Florida condo to devote more time to their son’s growing family. Later they moved to Northville to be closer to family. Sue was a strong, independent, and politically savvy woman. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sue is survived by her children, Michael (Cleia) Engler, Kathleen (Andreas) Sapios, and John (Lisa) Engler; her grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Aidan, and Jordan; and the countless friends she has made over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research.