LaVale, MD - Mrs. Joanne Eileen Mitchell-Engel, 86, of LaVale, Md., passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the music she cherished.

Born on May 28, 1940, in Cumberland, Md., she was the daughter of the late William Elwood "Woody" Mitchell and Lillian Theresa "Barney" (Barnhill) Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Elwood "Woody" Mitchell and Lillian Theresa "Barney" (Barnhill) Mitchell; her brothers, William Owen "Mitch" Mitchell and Robert Edward "Bob" Mitchell; and her nephew, Gregory Mitchell.

Mrs. Mitchell-Engel was a 1958 graduate of Allegany High School. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in art and English from the University of Maryland. She began her career as a legal secretary for a law firm in Washington, D.C., before following her passion for education as a special education and art teacher. Later, alongside her husband, she became co-owner of LaVale Plumbing Inc., where they faithfully served the community for many years.

Eileen was a gifted artist, an educator, and a lifelong lover of literature and learning. She found joy in creating, teaching and sharing her talents with others. Above all else, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose greatest happiness came from the people she loved.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Engel; her daughter, Cherie Mitchell-Bagatti, husband, Joseph Christopher Angelo Bagatti; grandsons, Alexander Joseph Bagatti and Liam Christopher Bagatti; her son, John Anthony "Chip" Engel, and wife, Kati Engel; grandson, Jonah Engel, and granddaughter, Lillian Engel; stepdaughter, Sandie Fox, husband, Justin Fox; grandson, Anthony Williams, wife, Alyssa; stepson, Chris Engel, wife, Jill; granddaughters, Alli and Madi; beloved nephew, Dwayne Mitchell, wife, Kitty, and niece, Sherri Mitchell; as well as many other beloved family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Family and friends will be received at Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Church, 8819 Frankfort Hwy., Fort Ashby, WV, on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Father Daniel Price. A luncheon will be served immediately following Mass. Following the luncheon, interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, LaVale, Md.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, friends and loved ones who surrounded Eileen with compassion, comfort and dignity throughout her journey. Her gentle spirit, artistic gifts, unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., is assisting the family, and condolences can be made at www.ScarpelliFH.com.