Eleanor "Ellie" (Charlson) Engle
January 2, 1926 — September 27, 2012
Eleanor “Ellie” (Charlson) Engle
Dynamic Can-Do Attitude -
Eleanor “Ellie” (Charlson) Engle, 86, of Shiremanstown , died at Harrisburg Hospital on Thursday, September 27, 2012. She was born in Delmont, NJ, on Saturday, January 2, 1926, daughter of the late Ronald Charlson and Adelia (Corson) Charlson. Ellie was the wife of George Arthur Engle to whom she was married for 66 years.
Ellie graduated from Millville High School in Millville, NJ. She retired from IBM in Mechanicsburg, with over 25 years of service working as a benefits analyst. Ellie was also an insurance salesman and a professional model. She was a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg, where she served as musical events coordinator. Ellie was a member of the Pennsylvania Organ Society and served as a church organist for local churches. She was a strong advocate for the elderly and touched many lives with her can-do attitude.
On June 22, 1952, Ellie signed a contract with the Harrisburg Senators baseball team and for one day was the only woman with a contract to play professional baseball. The commissioner of Minor League Baseball declared the contract null and void the next day when he was made aware of the signing. Ellie was included in the “Women of Baseball” exhibit in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, in 2006.
Ellie’s survivors include her loving husband of 66 years, George Arthur Engle; her loving daughter, Lynn Dee Garrett and her husband Buckley R. Garrett of Hummelstown; her loving grandson, who she adored, Zachary George Garrett; and several nieces and nephews. Among those preceding Ellie in death are a brother, Ronald Charlson, and a sister, Alda Wheldon.
All are welcome to join Ellie’s family at her visitation from 1:00 on Monday, October 1, 2012 until time of service at 2:00 at Wesley United Methodist Church , 203 South Filbert Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055, with Revered Dr. S. David Simon officiating. Burial will be private and at the family’s convenience in St. John’s Cemetery .
Ellie’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to her church.
Ellie’s family has entrusted her care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Ellie’s full obituary, share your memories and photos, offer your condolences and view her memorial video and portrait at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .