Community mourns prolific volunteer in Desert Hot Springs

Community members are mourning the loss of a prolific volunteer who worked to serve the city of Desert Hot Springs. Jane “Nikki” Engel died after being found dead in her home after a fire Thursday morning.

From the Desert Hot Springs Women’s Club to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jane “Nikki” Engel was part of it all. An outspoken prolific, volunteer who never shied away from serving her community-and working with others.

“She didn’t pull any punches and that’s a good thing, but you could also depend on her if you needed anything at all,” said Barbara Eastman, DHS Women’s club president.

Thursday morning a fire broke out at Engel’s home in Desert Hot Springs, fire crews were able to put out the flames but found the bodies of Engel and three dogs inside.

The news is a shock to those who have worked with her, including the Women’s Club, where Engel was the newly elected vice president.

“She always did her job well and was always out there for the community,” Eastman said.

Engel was well-known for her work with the club where she helped with raising fund for local schools and other events across the city. Her death is still being processed by those who knew her well.

“I still have not quite, I don’t think it’s quite hit me,” Eastman said. “It just doesn’t seem possible. We were going to be getting together next month and I just couldn’t believe what I heard.”

Through the women’s club, Engel also gave her time to the Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Post Commander Jeff Horton said she helped raise money through events and took the time to support the veterans.

He believes through all of the volunteer work Engel leaves behind a big hole that will be hard to fill.

“it would probably take about three people to be able to manage what she does within the community so it’s a huge loss,” Horton said.

Eastman said there would be a scholarship under Engel’s name established by the women’s club.