Louise Hirsch Engle died at the age of 101 and a half on April 10, 2025 from complications of a fall at her home in late March. She is missed by anyone lucky enough to have been in her orbit.
Louise and her husband Harold E. Engle (1918-2015) bought their elegant double-wide townhouse on A Street SE on February 18, 1969. Except for the time Harold worked in Cultural Affairs for the US Information Agency in Yugoslavia, Mali and Congo, Harold and Louise were the quintessential Hill couple-engaged with the community and enjoying the cultural and social opportunities that came along with living on Capitol Hill and sharing stories of their time abroad, particularly Yugoslavia-her favorite posting.
The large garden in the rear of the house was Louise’s pride and joy. After she could not tend the garden or navigate its walks and terraces on her own, she would ask a neighbor to come in and photograph the yard so that she could picture in her mind’s eye the changes that occurred over the years and during each season. Her walled garden had the charm that comes over time and definitely felt the influences of her beloved Charleston, SC. The joy she had in her garden and other gardens on Capitol Hill was contagious, and inspired many of her neighbors and friends.
Those who were lucky enough to be in Louise’s circle of book friends were always educated, sometimes surprised, but always motivated by her curiosity, her intelligence, and her memory—one that was still intimidating to neighbors and friends far younger than Louise. She read and re-read the classics, and was ahead of most of us on current titles. Her dear niece Salley and nephew Eddie accompanied her to countless plays, concerts, museums and book events. She loved trying new restaurants and never recovered from her sadness over the closing of her beloved Montmartre on Seventh Street SE. She was hard to keep up with—but we tried!
Friends Louise as fiercely independent with a bit of a stubborn streak. She did not accept offers of help easily. Only later would she acquiesce and let neighbors do things for her. The newspaper squad made sure her newspapers were placed in the mail slot resting on the top so she did not have to bend over to retrieve them. Likewise packages needed to be watched for and put inside. Arranging meals was always challenging because Louise was persnickety about common food and was selective in her indulgences. Sally and Eddie did most of her shopping and other chores. Others filled in with food service arrangements, and occasionally a crème brûlée or chocolate torte would find its way to her table. She also very much enjoyed being a part of Capitol Hill Village which was an important part of her staying in her home as she wanted.
The annual Literary Feast of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation was one of Louise’s favorite events, but again she was very choosy about both the book and the menu. Those hosting the evenings found her one of the most well-read and entertaining of their guests. Another friend ed: “The most fun we had as neighbors was watching the Halloween parade. We pooled our candy, opened up a bottle of wine for us and gave out candy as kids walked by. Louise delighted in seeing all of the costumes.” Louise was always the spark that kept things interesting.
Louise and Harold somehow figured out that the perfect place to watch the fireworks on the Fourth of July and Memorial Day was the small strip of green between Pennsylvania Avenue and Independence on Second Street SE. They would sit in their lawn chairs and onish anyone blocking their view. It was far from the crowd but a perfect spot. Similarly, she loved the cherry blossoms in the Spring at Stanton Park. Louise found joy and beauty in everyday things and showed some of us how to as well.
Louise served in the US Marine Corps Women’s Reserve at Cherry Point, NC, during World War II. Her Honorable Discharge on June 13, 1946 included $100.00 “Mustering Out Pay.” She was a divorced single mother ing herself in New York City when she met her beloved Harold.
Louise Worked for the Marshall Plan 1949-1952 and she worked as the Peace Corps Director’s secretary when she and Harold were stationed in Congo. Upon their return to DC, Louise worked at the US Treasury, then at the US Trade Representative’s office. On her 100th birthday Louise received congratulatory letters from President Biden and the US Marine Commandant (for which she was very proud). She didn’t want the rest of us to make a big fuss over her 100th birthday, so we had to make-do with a montage of birthday greetings and song that we later learned she enjoyed, possibly more than once.
Louise had a long and well-lived life. She remains in absentia an inspiration and guiding force at Fifth and A Streets SE.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery (along with Harold) at a later date.
Louise is survived by her daughter Jane E. Hearren and son-in-law, Al Hearren, three grandchildren, Alvia, Celia and Sara, and one great-granddaughter, Sabine, as well as her niece, Salley Cotten, and nephew, Eddie Rowland.
