Florence Tringle

Everyone at The Pointe knows Florence. A resident here for 4 1/2 years, Florence is involved in almost everything that takes place in our community. Whether she is participating in one of the many activities going on or volunteering her services to help run events, she can usually be found in the middle of the action.

Born in the area, Florence attended Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School and later on, Englewood High School on 61st St. Florence discovered that she loved to sew during this time and made many of her own clothes. She also sewed at the Park District, where fashion shows were held to showcase the local area talent. It was also during high school that Florence got her first job. She was hired at Gordin Bakery in their payroll department. Gordon Bakery was famous for their Silver Cup bread which was used by many of the local hotels and restaurants in Chicago. Florence worked at the bakery for over 4 years, in the meantime, she graduated, got married and, when the bakery was sold, took a job at Jewel Grocery store. She worked eveings, sorting coupons for the store. After a few years at Jewel, Florence accepted a position as bank teller at Loomis Federal Savings, where she worked for 17 years until retiring. Though she always held a job outside the home, Florence still loved to sew and take care of her husband and family. She made clothes for her daughter and always had supper on the table. Being a true midwesterner, Florence, as well as her family, were a meat and potatoes bunch. Her meatloaf and German potato salad were among their favorites.

Her family and children are still very active in Florence’s life, though, sadly, she has lost a son due to an accident and is also widowed. Her daughter, though living out of state, is the person who found The Pointe and thought it would be perfect for her mother. Florence is extremely independent and active and a supportive living community is ideal for her. Her family visits often, whether individually or together. She especially enjoys visits from her great grandson, Nicky. Just recently, her “grandson”, Peter, (Peter is married to Florence’s granddaughter) brought in his newly purchased, vintage Mustang to The Pointe’s 2nd Annual Classic Car Show, held on Father’s Day weekend. Though usually running the raffle ticket sales or the voting table, Florence sat proudly be her Peter’s car with him as residents and guests looked over the cars. Afterward, her and her family enjoyed a nice lunch in the dining room and listened to live music outside under the tent. 

Florence makes it clear that she is not one to sit in her apartment and do nothing all day. She likes almost all kinds of music, as well as art, crafts and the various physical therapies offered. She also loves to volunteer and help in way needed; from running a bake sale to selling holiday ornaments for the activities department. She says, “The only thing I won’t volunteer to do is call Bingo. I would much rather play.” She says with a laugh. When asked what she liked best about living at The Pointe, she quickly responded, “I don’t have to cook or clean.” Florence would rather be active and play and have someone else worry about the cooking and cleaning…sounds like she has life figured out pretty good.