Meet Libby

Christine Thill, RN, owner and administrator of Libby's House, related this brief history of her grandmother and the inspiration behind Libby's House senior assisted living community.

Elizabeth (Libby) Faller Tresp was born in 1906 in Newton, Illinois. She grew up as the daughter of a grist mill owner.

In her late teens, she followed her sister, Louise, to Springfield, Illinois to be trained as a registered nurse. Although she passed all her coursework, she was considered too young to graduate. Under the strict directive and guidance of the Catholic sisters, she did graduate, caring for the sick and specializing in labor and delivery.

She met and married Ewald Tresp, a German immigrant who refused to fight Hitler's war. Believing in hard, honest work, they made their life in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Libby's reasons for living are her faith and her family. Being a grandchild, I was fortunate to have a very unique relationship with her. I was under her wing but never in trouble! Her 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchild could do no wrong.

Living until 100+ has brought some heartache. Her husband, son (Denny), grandson (Tony), granddaughter (Erin) and great-granddaughter (Katherine) have preceded her death. She knows they will greet her with open arms when the time comes.

My grandmother taught us the rewards in a life of service to others. Many family members are teachers and principals, doctors, nurses, and other professionals who dedicate their lives to others in one form or another. She also taught us to celebrate life at every opportunity.

So to the woman who made my first communion dress, snuck me out to see Sound of Music at the theatre, let us watch Wizard of Oz in color, taught me what Christmas is really about, and that Jesus, through his Blessed Mother, will grant many graces...I say thank you, Grandma. Libby's House is a blessing to many families because of your selfless example to all of us.