Margaret Howarth, 98, who has one of the biggest families in Manchester, died peacefully in hospital surrounded by all nine of her surviving children
A ‘super-gran’ mother of 12, with more than 150 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren has died.
Margaret Howarth, 98, who has one of the biggest families in Manchester, died peacefully in hospital surrounded by all nine of her surviving children.
Her huge family, which includes 45 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren will come together to celebrate her life at her funeral on Wednesday.
They have paid glowing tributes to their ‘feisty, no-nonsense’ matriarch, who lived independently to the very end of her life and was devoted to her family.
Ms Howarth first became a grandmother more than 50 years ago, when grandson Anthony Conroy was born. Her youngest descendant is great-great grandson, baby Jack Gavin.
Ms Howarth and her late husband Robert had 12 children, but sadly lost their son Robert as a toddler.
She also lost her daughters Anne and Mary as adults, but is survived by her daughters Margaret, Patricia, Christine and Kathleen, and sons James, William, John, Michael and Steven, who range in age from their 50s to 70s.
Ms Howarth, who lived in Langley, Middleton, was an avid Manchester United supporter and one of her favourite pastimes was inviting her five sons around to watch matches at her home, which was decorated in the team colours.
Ms Howarth, who died just before Christmas, was born at home, close to Salford Hospital, in 1919, before moving to Langley around 50 years ago.
Before she had children, Margaret worked in various mills and factories, and married Robert, who worked for years as a rag and bone man, on Boxing Day 1939.
She also enjoyed playing darts at the former Ducie Bridge pub in Manchester city centre, and was so well known for her no-nonsense attitude she was often called upon to help if trouble ever erupted!
Granddaughter Amanda Meekin said her grandmother was incredibly family orientated, and loved having gatherings with her huge family, most of whom still live in Middleton and north Manchester.
Supergran Margaret Howarth, pictured with her son in law Frank, left and son James, right
Members of supergran Margaret Haworth’s family having a party in 2017
Speaking on behalf of her family, she said: ‘She was lovely. She took no nonsense from anybody.
‘She would knit something for every baby born into the family – she must have done thousands over the years! She was just so family orientated.
‘All the girls had a little clique with nana, then she was all about the lads when the football came on.
‘It was all about the atmosphere for her, she loved the party atmosphere and she partied till the end. I won’t be able to watch the football now without thinking of her.’
Friends are welcome to pay their respects to Margaret at her funeral service, which takes place at 10am on Wednesday at St Peter’s RC Church in Langley, but the wake will be family only.