Prairie State Wire

Joyce Marie Engel, 61, a resident of Braidwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at her home. Born on July 19, 1963 in Chicago, Engel worked at her family's former restaurant, Unk's Chicken in Braidwood. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and cooking, and was known for caring for her family and animals. Engel is survived by her mother, Julia "Nana" Engel, daughters Jessica Neese, Jillian Lynn, and Jina Barnes, and several grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members. Preceding her in death were her father, George L. Engel, brother Don Engel, son-in-law Steven Neese, and first husband John Barnes. Cremation rites have been performed, and a memorial visitation will be held at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. Deacon Greg Cummins will officiate. Memorial donations can be made to a humane society or animal shelter in lieu of flowers.

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