Memorial trees planted for:

Siobhan Engle

Too, too fabulous darling. That was Mary Siobhan Meghan O’Meara Engle. She was larger-than-life — the world’s grandest grande dame. The epitome of class, sophistication, and grace. An incandescent light in a world that is now markedly darker without her. In every phase of her life, she was unafraid to be absolutely fabulous. Siobhan was born September 1, 1957, to Edward Warren O’Meara and Joan Hodnett Savage, and raised in Winnetka, Illinois with her seven siblings. She was precocious, loving, and always the most popular girl in school. Best friend to sisters Sheila, Erin, Colleen, and Maureen (and soul sister Nancy), and dynamic sister to brothers Joe, Michael, and Hookey, Siobhan was the little light that kept the train on its tracks. She had big dreams of being a ballerina and she would have been if not for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. But she moved forward without self-pity. She stood up for what was right, even chaining herself to a fountain in D.C. on a class trip in eighth grade to protest the Vietnam War. She attended New Trier Township High School and New Mexico State University, where she starred in the state’s first production of Equus and served as a muse for playwright Mark Medoff. After graduation, she launched Symphonia Musical and opened Lanina, a French fashion boutique in Chicago. In 1988, she met Clyde William Engle at a fundraiser in Evanston. They were fast friends, bonding over Clyde’s youngest daughter Heather (who Siobhan always proudly called her “first child”) who has a rare chromosomal abnormality. They were a rare couple with an unceasing love, and he gave her the life she so thoroughly deserved. They married seven months later and bought a David Adler estate in Lake Forest, dubbing it “Englelot.” There, they welcomed five children in four and a half years—Johnny, Gigi, Clydie, Scarlett, and Chloe. They were her proudest accomplishments. She dressed them in matching, monogrammed designer outfits and poured love into every detail of their lives. Siobhan was one of Chicago’s greatest philanthropists. Her fashion and generosity were legendary. She raised hundreds of thousands for causes including the Arthritis and Lupus Foundations, Lincoln Park Zoo, and AIDS initiatives. She supported Hmong women from Cambodia and turned Englelot’s guesthouse into a sanctuary for sick and struggling friends, women escaping abuse, and children with rare illnesses. She founded Camp Englelot, a summer camp for neighborhood kids with gourmet lunches, arts and crafts, archery, and swimming. Her annual Easter Egg Hunt drew hundreds. In 1998, the family moved to Maui for what was supposed to be six months—and stayed for 13 years. She homeschooled the children, took them on long and educational nature hikes, and exposed them to a peaceful, relaxed, and balanced world outside of the public eye. Siobhan loved Maui, its people, and its beauty. She and Clyde raised their six children amongst the palm trees of Kihei and the rainforests of Haiku. She was a welcome and familiar presence at every theatrical and dance performance at the kids’ school, Seabury Hall, and a favorite of teachers, students, and parents alike. Young people looked up to and admired her, not only because of her fabulous energy and style, but because of her kind heart and positivity. She was fearless and had a truly unique way of making people feel included, seen, and deeply valued. Her children remain her proudest legacy: John, a brand consultant in Chicago, Gigi, a relationship writer and therapist in London, Clydie, a soon-to-be JD graduate of Harvard Law School, Scarlett, a PhD cultural anthropologist and Tribal Relations Specialist for the National Forest Service, and Chloe, a fourth grade teacher. Siobhan was ultimately taken by heart failure and died in the arms of her husband. She spent her final months traveling the country with Clyde and her twins, seeking a transplant. She remained relentlessly kind and optimistic, befriending every nurse, doctor, and staff member. In the end, there was no heart to replace hers. It is hard to fathom that anything could ever overcome her infectious and immeasurable will to live. She leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but her light lives on in her beloved husband of 36 years and their six children. To say “she will be missed” is a radically inadequate understatement. She was truly one of one. Iconic, legendary, dynamic. There will never be another like her. Holly Golightly, Jackie O, and Vivien Leigh rolled into one. How lucky we all should feel to have coexisted on the same plane as Siobhan Engle, and to have been able to drink from her immense cup of joie de vivre. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Saint Mary in Lake Forest at 10:00 am on May 16, 2025.  Please contact the family at 808-250-6637 for details on Siobhan’s celebration of life. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.

September 1, 1957 - April 19, 2025

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Siobhan Engle

108 Trees have been planted in memory of Siobhan Engle.

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Memorial Trees

The Mason Family

May 15, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by The Mason Family. Plant a tree

She truly was too fabulous - funny, smart, kind, generous and always glamorous. Our condolences for your loss.

Anonymous

May 13, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

To the Siobhan Engle Family--With deepest condolences and warmest thoughts

Christine and Bill Moloney and family

May 13, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by Christine and Bill Moloney and family. Plant a tree

Siobhan dear,Always in our hearts . We love you .

Anonymous

May 13, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

In loving memory of Siobhan she will be greatly missed, Love

The Basler Family

May 08, 2025

The planting of 50 memorial trees in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by The Basler Family. Plant a tree

Siobhan was a splendor of joy in all seasons, a sculpture beautiful in winter when there are no leaves. May this orchard continue her essence.

The Basler Family

May 08, 2025

The planting of 50 memorial trees in the honor of Siobhan Engle has been arranged by The Basler Family. Plant a tree

Siobhan was a splendor of joy in all seasons, a sculpture beautiful in winter when there are no leaves. May this orchard continue her essence.