Stretton-on-Fosse community mourns the sad loss of Margaret Holdsworth, 85, just two months after death of husband Donald, 92
The community of Stretton-on-Fosse is mourning the sad loss of one of the much-loved matriarchs of the village.
Margaret Holdsworth died on 14th February, aged 85, just two months after her loving husband Donald passed away, aged 92.
The Holdsworths had lived in the village for 60 years and were described as “cornerstones of the community”.
They had four children – Chris, Martin, Giles and Sarah; and were grandparents of six - Louis, Ellie, Lola, Georgie, Annabelle and Hattie.
Born in Leeds in 1938, Margaret was brought up in Yorkshire with her older sister Cicely by her mum Ida and dad John, who was a Baptist minister.
After finishing school, Margaret joined Cicely in London at secretarial college. After passing with flying colours she went to work at Borough Polytechnic where she met Donald.
Eldest son Chris, recalled: “They married in 1966 and honeymooned in Majorca and moved to Stretton shortly after.”
He continued: “We had a brilliant childhood, living a simple village life and going to the local school.”
Between them, the Holdsworths wore many community hats. Donald wrote the definitive history of Stretton and played organ at the church, St Peter’s, where Margaret was church warden for many years.
Margaret was involved in numerous committees, organising May Day celebrations, joining the local PTA at Ilmington Primary and Shipston High School, and gaining a Women’s Royal Volunteer Service honour for her work supporting the Ellen Badger. In addition she manned the phone for the Samaritans once a week, taking overnight calls.
“Mum was a brilliant mum and made the most incredible birthday cakes,” recalled Chris. “No matter how far-out the idea she would always have a go. She was always happy to have our friends round for dinner and sleepovers.”
Margaret loved reading and classical music, and spending family holidays in the Gower Peninsula surrounded by the grandchildren.
Sharing his last thoughts on behalf of the family, Chris said: “We were incredibly lucky that neither mum or dad had ever been ill for over 50 years and the end came quite quickly. We had a great family and village life, and Mum was the glue that kept our family together. She was kind, generous, thoughtful, a very good listener and gave great advice. We love and miss her.”
