Drakoules was born near Brussels to English parents around 1850. In 1876, she married William Lewis who was the managing director of the Union Assurance Company. In 1887, she founded a Band of Mercy in Weybridge. In 1891, the Humanitarian League was founded by Henry Stephens Salt with her support. The League's first meeting was held at her home and established her as the treasurer. She was not considered to have been a great speaker or writer, but was recognised as an unfailing organiser.[1]
Four years after Drakoules' death, her friends arranged for a monument to be constructed in St John's Wood churchyard, which includes a wide range of sculpted animals.[2]