Margaret Ann Tattersall 1934 - 2025

Margaret Ann Tattersall 1934 – 2025

This page is dedicated to our very special Mum and Nana who passed away peacefully in St Catherine’s on the 29th May 2025.

Our Mum/Nana was a very special lady, someone who can never be replaced. Her life revolved around her family and her loved ones all gravitated towards her. She was an independent, sociable lady who enjoyed all her hobbies and holidays and really made the most of each day.

Margaret’s Story

Margaret was born on 23rd December 1934 in Monton, Manchester, to Gladys and Bill Magrane, and later became a big sister to Moiar. She was very close to her dad, so his passing when she was just twelve was a huge loss. With her mother working as a nurse, Margaret matured quickly, taking care of her sister and managing the household.

A talented pianist, Margaret once aspired to be a concert pianist, but the opportunity never came. Still ambitious, she studied shorthand and typing at night school and became a dedicated secretary and PA.

She met Derek at a dance with her mum, and they married in 1956. After starting life together in Manchester, they settled in Chorley. They had three children—Martin, Karen, and Judith. Margaret gave up full-time work to raise them but still took on part-time jobs, including catalogue sales and market stalls. She was a grafter through and through.

Family dinners were a daily tradition, and her roast beef became legendary—though she amusingly asked the butcher for a “dog face” cut! Her “junket” dessert was equally unforgettable. Margaret and Derek enjoyed socialising and dining out, often bringing the children along to fine restaurants.

For years, the family spent weekends on their boat in Conwy, Wales—making happy memories of boating, swimming, and fishing. They also holidayed abroad in Austria, Spain, and Madeira. When Derek sadly passed away in 1990, Margaret, at just 55, showed incredible strength. She closed her jewellery shop and later worked alongside Martin.

Outside of work, she thrived. Her garden in Duxbury became her pride and joy. She joined a dinner club and an art class, where she made great friends and developed a real talent for watercolour painting. Margaret loved driving her friends out for lunches and shopping trips.

She welcomed her daughter-in-law Susan and son-in-law Andy with open arms and remained close to them. Susan’s untimely passing deeply affected the family, leading Margaret and Martin to retire.

She travelled widely—with Moiar and Len, and frequently with Karen, Andy, and their children. Holidays to Portugal, Florida, Spain, the Canaries, and Ireland filled her life with joy. She adored her five grandchildren—Mark, Olivia, Lydia, Jen, and Matt—and her great-grandson, Ralph. Margaret was incredibly generous, especially during birthdays and Christmas, and loved any excuse to shop and spoil her family.

Always elegant, she took great pride in her appearance—stylish clothes, matching handbags, jewellery, and perfect hair and makeup. She also formed deep bonds with kind neighbours, especially Trudi, Craig, Jackson, Gina, and dear friend Wendy, who visited daily. The family is forever grateful for her kindness.

In 2020, Margaret underwent a mastectomy and radiotherapy. Though it left her with lymphedema and unable to paint, she remained strong and kept meeting her art friends. Diagnosed with oesophageal cancer two years ago, she fought bravely, staying fiercely independent and determined. She stayed at home until her final week, spent peacefully in St. Catherine’s Hospice, surrounded by love.

Margaret passed away on 29th May 2025. She was the heart of our family—loving, generous, strong—and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.