Judith “Judy” Irene Engel (Law) 94, of Seattle, Washington, died peacefully on Feb 12, 2025. She made a graceful exit surrounded by family. Judy was deeply spiritual, with an unfailing belief in our connections to one another and with the Source. As one friend said, “she’s kind of cosmic.” She was also really fun.
Good humor, joie de vivre and a sense of adventure were the hallmarks of Judy’s life. At age 90, after a rare Seattle snowstorm, she went barreling down a steep hill whooping with delight. Judy relished listening to Pavarotti, a good snowstorm, working tirelessly in the garden, ice skating, a deep conversation, a gathering of friends, a fine meal, and a splash of bubbly. Despite the many losses she endured, she had a remarkable capacity to embrace the mystery and beauty of life.
Judy was born and raised on the Mississippi River in Little Falls, MN. She attended Macalester College, majored in music and minored in religious studies and education. She married Keith Law in 1959 and raised her family in Hastings, Minnesota, where she worked as an organist for St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. She and Keith divorced, and in 1987 she married Roland Delattre and enjoyed 20 years of a rich, laughter-filled marriage. After Roland’s death, she moved to Seattle in 2009 to be near family.
Preceded in death by her husbands, Keith Law and Roland Delattre, brother Austin (Jim) Engel, son Paul Douglas Law and daughter Leanne DeYoung. Survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Law (Philip “Flip” Sturdivant); step-sons Andre Delattre (Rebecca Stanfield) and Eric Delattre (Monica); grandchildren Eric Hoban, Macy Sturdivant, Brennan Delattre, Luke Delattre, Clara Delattre and Harper Delattre; brother-in-law James Law, sister-in law Nancy Ortenstone (Pierre Delattre); many nieces and nephews of the Engel, Delattre and Law families, and very special friends. Memorial service will take place at First Congregational Church of Minnesota on Saturday June 21st @ 1 p.m. Memorial contributions can be sent to Democracy Forward or your local library.
