Sad news: Libby Dent Conyers

We got the call from Libby daughter Rachel yesterday morning; Brigid’s sister had died about 6AM our time – was found by her helpers. Not at all a surprise but still a shock.

Libby’s full name – Elizabeth Jane Gabriel Dent Conyers. This is Libby thirty years ago.

Libby had many health issues – both her hips were replaced when she was in her late thirties and then replacements again years later. She had some other orthopedic issues and then breast cancer 24 years ago.  Libby was born in India June 7th, 1944 the day after the Normandy invasion. Brigid says this picture was taken in India, before her family left in 1947 & before Brigid was born.

Libby was a person of deep Catholic faith – not a show off faith, not the maudlin, saccharin kind; deep selfless faith.  She had her priorities right. She was also very quick and very funny. Two little reminiscences. I met Libby and her husband Michael and two young children, Rachel and Tom at her mother and sister’s house in York, England.  It was the summer of 1978 and Brigid, who I’d met in February when we were both teaching in Jamaica, insisted that if I was going to England and then the continent for the summer I visit her family. I showed up at her house and they were so welcoming – without knowing who I was – Brigid had not told them she was hanging out with an American. Just  knew I was a friend of “Bid”. And Libby was delightful despite her horrendous limp – had to be painful – with her hips. And then fast forward to 1993 and Joe had just arrived at five weeks old. Libby and Michael had planned on visiting us in October and we said for sure, come over. And they were both just so ecstatic about our new baby. 

Libby’s body started to fail in 2023; her mind and sense of humor were fine. Michael had died about 18 months earlier after a long illness. Brigid made three extended trips (June 2023, March 2024, October 2024) over to see Libby, who was able to stay at home with lots of home care – virtually 24 hour care. This is Brigid and Libby March 10, 2024.

Libby leaves her two children and six grandchildren. So in many ways a wonderful life – and a tough life. We all adored and admired Libby. And now my beautiful sister-in-law is in touch with the universe.