Evelyn "Evie" P. Libby

Evelyn “Evie” P. Libby, 90, of Rockford, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in her home on July 4, 2024.

Evelyn lived much of her early life in and around Boston, Massachusetts. She was born April 11, 1934 in Methuen, Massachusetts to Herbert Powell and Leslie (LeGrand) Powell. She graduated from Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Gordon College, in Wenham, Massachusetts. 

Prior to her retirement, Evelyn worked for nearly thirty years at Rock Valley College as an administrative assistant to the Vice President and in the Office of Admissions. Before moving to Rockford, she worked in elementary schools in the Detroit, Michigan suburbs for approximately ten years, supporting children with behavioral and learning challenges. While living in the Boston area, she was employed by Dow Chemical.

A true “word maven,” Evelyn was an avid Scrabble player and puzzle-solver. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends, especially on annual trips to Door County, Wisconsin and Ireland. She was an ever-present source of quiet support, encouragement, and assurance for all she cared about. Her wry sense of humor often revealed itself in unexpected ways and at unexpected times (for example, her suggestion for beginning this obituary was, “Evelyn Libby, found dead….”). 

She is survived by her son, Christopher and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Webb of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Andrea Sweet and son-in-law, Brad of Rockford; grandchildren, Emma Libby and Jackson and Hunter Sweet; brother, Hartley Powell; many nieces and nephews; and close family friends, Merlin and Nina Lawson and family, James and Patricia Reynhout and family, and Merlin and Ireta Ekstrom and family. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Rev. Edward A. Libby; sister, Hazel (Don) Rutherford; brother, William (Marge) Powell; sister, Grace (Norman) Nault; sister, Eleanor (James) O’Hearn; and nephew, David Nault. 

Evelyn’s family extends a special thank you to the Visiting Angels and OSF Hospice caregivers for the incredibly patient, tender care they provided during the last few months of her life. 

A celebration of her life will be held at Creekwood Church, 5973 Darlene Drive, Rockford on Sunday, July 7th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the literacy program or organization of your choice.

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