Edward Downes after his health declined following a hip replacement. Lady Downes was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that metastasised to her liver, and given only weeks to live. Lady Downes wrote a letter to family explaining that she had decided against treatment and that: Sir Edward, aged 85, and Lady Downes, aged 74, ended their lives by assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zürich, Switzerland, on 10 July 2009. Although Joan did not want the children present, Dignitas encouraged it and "Ted and Joanie" were reported to be pleased when the time came. Their children issued a statement speaking of
Joan of the Tower Joan of the Tower Joan of England (5 July 1321 – 7 September 1362), known as Joan of the Tower because she was born in the Tower of London, was the first wife and Queen consort of David II of Scotland. The youngest daughter of Edward II of England and Isabella of France, Joan was born in the Tower of London on 5 July 1321. Her siblings were the future Edward III of England, John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall and Eleanor of Woodstock. In accordance with the Treaty of Northampton, Joan was married on 17 July 1328 to David