Libby Wright

Libby Wright – A Life Well Lived – All 102 Years

Elizabeth “Libby” Wright passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on January 27, 2026. Libby was born in Bay City, Michigan to James and Grace (Garrison) Miller and grew up in a family of four siblings: James, Don, Joyce, and Fred Miller. The family moved to Flint, MI during the Great Depression where they spent their family formative years. Libby’s life was guided by strong commitment to her faith, family, and friends. The first words that all people who know her use, is “a beautiful lady and a caring friend.” She will be remembered for her unwavering kindness and generosity to everyone she met. Libby created a warm and welcoming home, cherished by all who knew her, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her gentle spirit and heartfelt compassion touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of love and grace that will endure for generations.

Libby and Leonard Denton Wright Jr were married in 1945, in the midst of World War II. The couple met while Libby was supervising the punch card installations for one of the early IBM computer systems. After the end of the war, this Rosie the Riveter stepped aside for the returning GI’s and started her most beloved career, that of mother and wife. The couple had three children: Lynn, Cheryl, and Leonard III. After her husband Len died in 1980, she retired and moved to Boca Raton, Florida, and then in 2017, to Castle Pines Village, Colorado. In each of her homes, she was active in her church, serving as Sunday School teacher, church leadership, or pianist. She played the piano by ear, playing for her church and at every family gathering.

Libby started her professional career in real estate in the early 1960’s, first as a real estate salesperson and then broker owning her own company in Flint. During that 30 year career she was rewarded for her success and leadership skills in many ways, including being elected President of the Flint Board of Realtors, chosen Realtor of the Year by the Michigan Association of Realtors, (MAR), and rising through the executive chairs to become the President of MAR in 1987. She was also appointed to be a Regional Vice President of National Association of Realtors in the 1980s. She became the city, state, and then in 1982, served as national president of the National Association of Realtors Women’s Council. She also received her Real Estate Alumni designation from the University of Michigan.

In addition to her real estate career, Libby also served her Flint community when she became the first woman appointed to the Hurley Medical Center Board of Managers in 1976. Recognized for her leadership and management skills on the Board, her board peers elected her the first woman Chairman of the Hurley Board of Managers in 1980. She was reelected to that position in 1982. Hurley, located in Flint, Michigan, is a 432-bed teaching hospital now affiliated with Michigan State University.

No matter what Libby involved herself in, she excelled. In 1987, she received the Congressional Certificate of Merit signed by Congressman Dale Kildee for her outstanding contribution to her profession and her community. She was also recognized by the Flint City Council for her community involvement and awarded the key to the city on three separate occasions.

A long-time breast cancer survivor, Libby recently learned that in her Castle Rock community her name will be memorialized with forever gratitude at the bell nook inside the Schrader Cancer Center at the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Cancer patients ring the bell to commemorate their victories, big and small, along their cancer care journeys. When her family told her about this recognition, Libby said that, even in heaven, when she hears that twinkling sound, she will be celebrating every cancer victory the bell announces.

Libby leaves behind her daughters Lynn (Albert) Hackett of Boca Raton, Florida and Cheryl (Michael) Porter of Castle Pines Village, Colorado. She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 35 years, Leonard Jr, and her son Leonard (Rita, still living) Wright III in Muskegon, Michigan. Her grandchildren living in many states are Jennifer Longtin, Sean (Annie) Wright, Khristian (Karly) Wright, Amy (Jon) Bentz, Casey (Heather) Porter, and Shawn (Melanie) Hackett. Great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly are Fin and Barra Gillespie, Alex and Danny Bentz, Willow Hackett, Elias Porter, Kayden, Kassidy, Asher and Jordan Wright.

Libby will be buried with her beloved husband at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint, MI. Family and friends of Libby are invited to a celebration of her life to be held at Our Father Lutheran in Centennial, CO, on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10 am. The services will also be live streamed for those unable to travel.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

The Libby Wright Legacy Endowment at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, started by her family in honor of her 100th birthday. Her foundation focuses on education and career development of women in medical careers. Since its start in 2023, eight women have benefited from the endowment, enabling them to pursue and develop their medical careers. Libby Wright Hurley Fund (https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/libby-wright-legacy)

The Hinchey Foundation, through Our Father Lutheran Church, enables future pastors and church workers to attend college and do continuing education programs. The Hinchey Foundation (https://www.ourfatherlutheran.net/hinchey-scholarship)

Both causes were dear to Libby’s heart and will allow her memory to continue in the work she believed in.