Sylvia Rola - Engle

Sylvia Engle, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Heritage in Overland Park, KS on March 26, 2025. She was known for her quick wit, love of family and celebration of her English heritage. Sylvia was born on July 4, 1936 in London, England to Joseph and Grace Street. She often shared stories of her childhood in England having been one of the many children separated from her family and evacuated to the countryside during World War II. After World War II, her family immigrated to the United Stated of America and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. She excelled at school in both academics and athletics. She attended Brentwood High School, Drury University, and eventually graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. Sylvia had a long career in business eventually retiring from Lockton Insurance, where she was an office favorite known for writing and acting in plays performed at the company holiday parties. Sylvia loved to read, write, perform, travel and garden. Sylvia was happiest surrounded by family singing English bar songs with her brother and sisters, her father a constant at the piano. Sylvia was often found sitting by her koi pond, the centerpiece of her proper English garden. She also spent her days reading and writing accompanied always by a hot cup of English tea. She relished the challenge of the New York Times crossword puzzle. Sylvia loved to travel having taken many trips to visit family in England as well as much of Western Europe with her husband Howard Engle. She also cherished time spent with her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them in all their endeavors. She was also an avid sports fan in spite of the referee’s clear bias against her teams.

Sylvia's solution to any crisis was a cup of tea and a good laugh. She managed to bring a smile to all those who crossed her path. Sylvia will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and good nature. Our hope is as our grief begins to fade her memory will once again evoke a smile.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Howard, daughter Michelle Polson, son-in-law Allyn Polson, parents, sisters and brother. Sylvia leaves behind her children: Graham (Maria) Rola of Overland Park, KS, Angie (Jeff) Way of Wesley Chapel, FL, Liz Draper of Grants Pass, Oregon; grandchildren: Chantel Way, Michael Way, Jenna Rolá, Ethan Rolá, Katelyn DeVan and Leah Engle; great grandchildren: Ezra Way and Asher Perez and many loved neices and nephews.

No memorial service will be held in Sylvia's honor per her request. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association htttp://act.alz.org/donate