#BBB NEWS| Isobel Varley: World's Most Tattooed Female Pensioner Dies Aged 77 [PHOTOS]

The world's most tattooed female pensioner has died at the age of 77. Isobel Varley, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was a "legend" in the tattoo world after having 93 per cent of her body inked.

The retired secretary - who held the Guinness World Record as the most tattooed female pensioner - died on Monday after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Ms Varley had her first tattoo at the age of 49 but went on to cover herself in a further 200 artworks, spending 500 hours getting inked.

Speaking previously, the mother-of-one said: "Originally, I was only ever going to have one - a small bird - but I fell in love with it, and developed an addiction.

"The only areas not completely tattooed is my face, the soles of my feet my ears and some area on my hands."

She had warned others to "be sure what you want" before getting a tattoo and said her favourite was one of a family of tigers on her stomach.

Isobel's husband Malcolm told the Hertfordshire Mercury: "If you look on Facebook I understand someone says she was a legend of tattooing, that's how people will remember her, others will remember her because of her laugh."

                               Ms Varley had more than 200 tattoos covering 93 per cent of her body

Malcolm, who admitted he had "several tattoos" himself, added: "She never planned it, it just happened.

"It was like a drug, tattooing for her, she went right down to her feet."

Ms Varley gained a worldwide following because of her devotion to her body art, travelling to a number of tattoo conventions and events.

One fan Nicolas Merand wrote online: "Rest ink peace Isobel."

                   The pensioner was recognised by Guinness World Records for her inkings

A statement on The Guinness World Records website passed on the organisation's condolences.

It stated: "Guinness World Records has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Isobel Varley, world record holder for Most tattooed senior citizen (female), who died.

"An iconic figure within the body modification community, Isobel had an incredible 93 per cent of her body covered with tattoos."

                  The body art fanatic gained a worldwide following and travelled to various tattoo conventions

A posting on her official Facebook page stated: "It is with deep sorrow that we must announce the passing of Isobel.

"Shortly before 7 this morning Isobel passed peacefully onto her next adventure.

"The Varley family would like to express their thanks to everyone for their support, their friendship and kind words expressed to, and about, Isobel and her numerous achievements during her time.

"Heaven has gained a new Angel."

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