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Lady Cathy Ferguson, the wife of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 84.
The couple, who exchanged vows in 1966, shared 57 years of marital bliss and were blessed with three sons, one of whom is Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson.
In an official statement, the Ferguson family confirmed the somber news, expressing, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the recent passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson. At this time, we kindly request privacy.”
As a gesture of respect, Old Trafford has lowered its flags to half-mast, and both the men’s and women’s teams will wear black armbands in their forthcoming fixtures this weekend.
Manchester United conveyed their condolences through a statement, saying, “The entire Manchester United family extends heartfelt sympathies to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the loss of Lady Cathy. She was not only a beloved wife, but also a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, providing unwavering support to Sir Alex throughout his illustrious career.”
Cathy and Sir Alex, currently 81 years old, crossed paths in 1964 while working at a typewriter factory. During the 27 years of their union, especially when Sir Alex served as Manchester United’s manager, Cathy played a pivotal role in dissuading him from retirement in 2002. In his autobiography, Ferguson fondly recalled her saying, “Your health is robust, you won’t be staying at home, and besides, you’re still too young.”
When Sir Alex eventually announced his retirement 11 years later, he expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “My wife Cathy has been the cornerstone of my career, providing not only stability but also boundless encouragement that words fail to capture.”
Numerous football clubs paid tribute to Cathy on social media. Manchester City, Arsenal, St Mirren, Aberdeen, and Peterborough United all offered their condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family during this challenging period.
