Lady Cathy Ferguson, the spouse of the renowned former manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, has passed away at the age of 84.
The Ferguson family released a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson.”
“The family asks for privacy at this time.”
At Old Trafford, flags have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect, and the men’s and women’s teams will adorn black armbands in their fixtures this weekend.
Manchester United released a statement saying: “Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career.”
Sir Alex Ferguson met his wife Lady Cathy in 1964 while they were both working at a typewriter factory.
Ferguson said in his autobiography that Lady Cathy once told him that: “One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway.”
Speaking about his wife after he announced his retirement 11 years later, he said: “My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement.”
“Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.”
Several clubs have taken to social media to pay tribute to Cathy and also send condolences to Alex Ferguson.
Rival club Manchester City posted on X, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City sends their condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family at this very difficult time.”
North London club Arsenal also paid “heartfelt condolences”, adding: “May Lady Cathy rest in peace.”
St Mirren, Sir Alex’s former club also said: “Everyone at St Mirren Football Club sends its deepest condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and family following the sad news of the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson.”
Aberdeen, which Alex Ferguson coached also offered condolences, while Peterborough said: “Everyone at Peterborough United Football Club offers our sincere condolences to Darren Ferguson and his family on the passing of his beloved mother, Lady Cathy.”
Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly retired from football in 2013 after the death of his wife Lady Cathy’s sister, Bridget.
Speaking at that time, the Former Red Devils manager said: “My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.”
Below are condolences offered to the wife of the former United Manager:
