Tributes paid to "bubbly" islander believed to be oldest woman with Down's Syndrome

Friday 17 November 2023

Tributes have been paid to a "bubbly" islander believed to be the oldest woman in the British Isles with Down's Syndrome after she passed away earlier this week.

Libby Drake's family paid tribute to her on social media after she sadly passed away on Wednesday morning, aged 73.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we have to post this today. Our Aunty Libby sadly passed away early this morning," they wrote.

“She was the happiest, funniest, sparkling soul and was loved by everyone that met her. We will miss her so much.” 

Pictured: Libby celebrated her 73rd birthday with her family this June. (Julie Stephens/Les Amis)

Libby lived at Les Amis – a charity providing residential care to people with learning disabilities – for 32 years. 

The charity paid their respects to Libby, saying: "Libs was our very own ‘Queen Elizabeth’ and will be so missed by all her friends and family at Les Amis, some of whom have known and supported her for over 30 years.

"Libby left Les Amis and moved to nursing care just four weeks ago which had created a huge hole in our hearts. Both her friends and staff have missed her greatly, especially her charismatic charm, sassy spirit, wicked sense of humour and mischievous smile."

They added: "Earlier this year, Libby became quite the celebrity after appearing on TV and social media to celebrate her likely being the oldest living female with Down’s Syndrome.

"Libby very much enjoyed her new-found celeb status, and lapped up the attention when she was out and about and recognised. She would always have time for a chat with her fans and admirers – old and new."

Growing up in the 1950s, it was expected that Libby would only live about 15 to 20 years. 

However, her niece Julie Stephens credits her father and the care she received at Les Amis for keeping her healthy and her high quality of life. 

She was raised by her father, who made sure to give her lots of independence – for most of her life, Libby independently got the bus into town and went to the shops. 

Pictured: Libby was independent throughout her life. (Julie Stephens/Les Amis)

After her father was diagnosed with dementia and moved into a care home, Libby initially moved in with her niece Julie, and soon after moved to Les Amis.  

“She used to go there for respite care and she always loved it,” Julie said. 

About 20 years ago, Libby was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, which people with Down’s Syndrome are particularly at risk for. 

“Les Amis are amazing," added Julie. "We think that the job they do is incredible – without them, Libby wouldn’t have had the quality of life that she has.” 

Libby sadly passed away on 15 November 2023, after celebrating her 73rd birthday earlier this year.

Many tributes were paid to the “bubbly” woman in response to the family's social media post. 

One islander commented: “Libby was such a lovely lady who would brighten any room she entered."

“What an incredible soul she was," added another.