Former Manchester United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, mourned after his wife, Lady Cathy, died at the age of 85, Thursday (5/10/2023). “We are very sad to confirm the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson yesterday (Thursday),” said a statement from Sir Alex Ferguson’s family. “Lady Cathy is survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family requests privacy at this time.”
Manchester United, where Sir Alex Ferguson worked for 27 years as a coach, also expressed condolences. “Everyone at Manchester United sends their sincere condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the death of Lady Cathy. Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career,” said a Man United statement. Flags at Old Trafford were lowered to half-staff as a tribute and United’s women’s team will also wear black armbands in their match against Arsenal on Friday.
Lady Cathy supported Sir Alex Ferguson throughout his career as Manchester United coach until her husband decided to retire in 2013. Sir Alex Ferguson said at that time that Lady Cathy was a strength for him. “My wife Cathy has been a key figure throughout my career, giving me support,” said Sir Alex Ferguson, quoted by Sky Sports. “Words are not enough to express how much this means to me,” said Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson has also described her as the only person in the world he did not answer back to.
Former Man United player, Michael Carrick, once revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson felt indebted to his wife who always accompanied him. This was conveyed by Sir Alex Ferguson in the Man United dressing room when submitting his resignation as coach. “I feel I owe it to my wife to always be with her and look after her,” said Sir Alex Ferguson in the Man United dressing room at that time.
Cathy Holding met her husband-to-be while they were working together in a typewriter factory in 1964. They were married two years later. Lady Cathy and Sir Alex’s son, Darren, twin of Jason, is manager of Peterborough United. Their eldest son, Mark, is an investment banker.
