Presque Isle, Maine - On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the very long life of an exceptional woman came to its conclusion on this earth. Alma Pearle Libby, age 97, died at her home in Presque Isle with family surrounding her, just as she had wished. Born on March 30, 1929, in Presque Isle, Maine, she was the only daughter of Willard C. and Pearle (Sweatt) Doyen and younger sister to Willard C. Doyen Jr.

Those who knew Alma recognized her as a special woman. Born into a Mapleton farming family, she was always interested in how the local crops were progressing and diligently watched the weather forecast for the right mix of sun and rain. She graduated Mapleton High School as valedictorian at age 16, leaving home immediately after to pursue a wartime, accelerated associate degree from Boston University. She later married her high school sweetheart, Ellery K. Libby, eventually settling down in Presque Isle to raise their four children. With a baby, a preschooler and two teens at home, and working full-time at Nutrite, she also became a second mom to her brother's four young children when their own mother died of cancer. To this day she has remained a loving and steadfast presence in their lives and the lives of their many children and grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly.

Alma treasured her family: they were the most important part of her life. She would tell everyone how lucky she was that they were all so close to her and to each other. Alma was known as an avid reader and an accomplished bridge player. When she and her husband retired, they moved to Florida to avoid the northern Maine winters, traveling home each spring to spend summers in Maine. She had many wonderful friends, both in Maine and Florida, and cherished her bridge groups in both states.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brother and her many sisters and brothers-in-law, with whom she shared close, life-long ties. Alma is survived by her children, Stewart Libby (Cissy), Sandra Brewer, Brent Libby (Bridget), and Julie Libby and her partner, Ralph Michaud; her grandchildren, Rick Briggs (Meg), Hollie Cushman (Ryan), Jared Brewer (Jenn); great-grandchildren, Kayla Lawlor (Pete), Connor Briggs and his fiancé, Hayley, Tucker Briggs, Ella Brewer, and Libby Cushman; and great-great-granddaughters, Riley and Claire Lawlor, whose Florida visits made her face light up. She also leaves many special nephews and nieces, who deeply cared for her. She is also survived by her former son-in-law, Teddy Brewer,who checked on her frequently.

The family would like to thank E. Victoria Grover, PA-C, and the local home hospice health workers, who provided such good care to Alma in her final weeks; and special thanks to Regina Hotham Craig and Susan Humes. The greatest appreciation goes to Julie Libby, who lovingly and selflessly provided comfort and care to her Mom throughout the last years of her life.

A celebration of Alma's life will be held later this fall. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at duncanlancaster.com.