Emma Elizabeth "Libba" Rhein Standish

Elizabeth was born in Nacogdoches, TX on February 25, 1918 to Anna Louise Schmidt and Casimir Constance Rhein, who instilled in her a deep devotion to the Catholic Faith. Elizabeth moved to Houston with her mother and sister, Charlotte, to attend St. Agnes Academy where she graduated in 1935. She enrolled in the University of Houston, and shortly after met the man of her dreams, Thomas Austin Standish, who had just graduated from the University of Notre Dame. They married in 1937 and had 11 children.

Elizabeth was a dedicated wife and mother who gave her children the loving attention that made each of them feel as if they were the only child. Later, her greatest joy was being Grandma, Peepaw, Mimi, and Gram to her 89 grandchildren, always remembering every birthday. Oh, how she loved giving and looked forward to the family gathering at Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Elizabeth and Tom were founding members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish. Elizabeth was Knighted to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. She received the Legacy of Excellence Award from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and the Dominican Spirit Award from St. Agnes Academy. Elizabeth celebrated her 100th birthday with her family at the Houstonian, and on that day the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, was present to proclaim Elizabeth Standish Day. Additionally, she was awarded the Golden Palm by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, given the Apostolic Blessing by Pope Francis and received a video tribute and birthday wish from Reid Ryan and the Houston Astros, of whom she was an enthusiastic fan for decades.

Elizabeth is survived by five daughters, Ann and Hans Rasch, Louise and Barney Johnson, Susan Brown, Bridget and Tom Staudt, Kathy Barnes and five sons, Richard and Janet Standish, Tom and Joyce Standish, Walter and Julia Standish, Michael and Karen Standish, and Glenn and Kelly Standish. She is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Tom Standish, infant daughter, Mary Lucille Standish, and grandson, David Staudt. The Standish family would like to give a special thanks to Linda Frank and Cynthia Vorhies, her caregivers of many years. If desired, a memorial contribution in Elizabeth’s memory can be given to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy.

Our precious Mama would often say, about our large family, how Blessed we are “All Because Two People Fell in Love”.