I met Margaret in the late 70’s when I was living in Orpington. Sandra introduced her to myself, Pam and Pauline. We were young mums and needed an activity one evening a week. Swimming at The Walnuts sports centre was decided on and that began a long time friendship between the 5 of us even though since then most of us have moved around the country and Margaret to Scotland and eventually America.
Margaret was always full of fun and we all shared many special moments with her.
She is now at peace but never forgotten and we will still raise a glass to her whenever we get together.
Rest in peace Margaret.
Lyn Dartnall one of the bathing Belles.
X

Such wonderful memories of dear Margaret.  The five of us met in the 80’s and started going swimming together.  I think more talking went on than swimming!  We would take it in turns to drive and I seem to recall we got home quicker when Margaret was driving!
Once Margaret was living in Scotland we would fly up for weekends .We visited the world-famous St Andrew’s, had fish and chips by the sea and saw local historical landmarks.  We would sit in Margaret’s summer house in her garden and have afternoon tea.  In the evening we had our own little party - the neighbours were very understanding!
We all loved Margaret dearly.  She was funny, thoughtful and always honest - I think that was the Yorkshire in her. We always raise a glass to our absent friend and will continue to do so.
Now at peace with her beloved Brian and Duncan,
God Bless Margaret.
From Pauline and David

I was so sorry to hear about Margaret's passing and wanted to send my condolences . I knew her when I was an occasional member of the swimming group she was part of with my sister and other friends in Orpington, Kent, UK 
Although it was some years ago now ,  I still remember her as a strong, kind, positive person, with a sense of fun,  someone I instantly liked and respected.  RIP Margaret. 

Diane Graham ( sister of Pam Gibb)

Margaret was our next door neighbour in Kirkcaldy for 17 years.We loved spending time with her whether it be sharing coffee in her love hut(as she called it) or having a meal & wine while watching strictly.
Margaret was a lovely singer & in the summer you would hear her out in her garden, which she loved, singing along to many tunes.
We were fortunate to have met all her family & had lovely holidays down at her brother’s in Leeds & out to Houston to visit David & family.
Margaret is now at peace & free of pain. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

Dear Margaret, so many happy memories of you over the years. You were the best of baby sitter to my younger sisters, & a good friend to me during your years in Orpington. I remember going to your local gym there & smashing a couple of women at badminton, without fully knowing the rules or how to score! We had lots of happy times visiting you & Brian for meals & entertaining you both in Esher, hearing about your escapades in Greece, & once tracking you down the remote Peloponnese, you had such a great spirit of fun & adventure. Ken & I last saw you in Kirkcaldy in July 2013. Sadly I somehow lost touch after your move to Texas, but I often thought of you Margaret & will always treasure the happy memories I have of you. Sue

With my Dad and brother at Pappadeaux’s one of our favorite restaurants!

At Hogmanay in Texas with Scottish friends!

Visiting Falkirk Palace, Margaret in charge!

Sandra, Pam, Lyn, Margaret & Pauline on the Swilken Bridge, 
St. Andrew’s, Scotland.

We knew Margaret from her days in Orpington and the five of us met each Tuesday evening for our weekly swim together followed by a sociable drink and much chat. We became lifelong friends and confidantes.
Margaret was a real life force, and being a little older than us shared the wealth of her experience and knowledge with us, whether about children, husbands or life in general!
Margaret had such a wonderful sense of humour and after she and Brian moved north of the border we went up to spend some special times with her. We had the best of times - so much laughter and fun together. Great memories of music, dancing, walking, enjoying ice creams in Anstruther and Scottish high teas in Kirkcaldy at the local hotel.
Margaret had a wonderful fighting spirit, that Yorkshire grit I used to tease her about and which I admired greatly. It helped her through the heartbreak of losing her son Duncan and shortly afterwards her beloved Brian.
I’m so glad that when the time was right she had David to make her safe and cared for in America.
I will never forget Margaret, her strength, her generosity, her zest for life.
Margaret it was a privilege to have known you.
With love
Pam & Alex Gibb.

Margaret was my second mum, she always talked about helping me learn to walk around her sofa. She was in my corner my whole life, always curious and interested to hear what I was doing and how I was. I shall miss her immensely.

I loved being able to see Margaret in Grenada, showing her where I was living and how beautiful the island was. We had so many laughs together that week and it was such a precious time.

Margaret shared this picture with me of herself and her brother. I love the impish looks on their faces,  I feel that right after this picture was taken they were immediately up to no good! For me, Margaret always had this spirit of mischief within her. I really loved that.

This photo was taken in the Novar Bar Restaurant in Kirkcaldy where we had some lovely meals out with Margaret. Rest in peace dear Margaret, we will never forget you 
Eunice and Les Weller.

By way of condolence, I would like to share a little memory which I hope will bring some warmth.
A party of us flew to Tyler for Dave and Maria's wedding, which was itself nearly 50 years ago.  The flight coincided with Dave's mum and dad's 25th wedding anniversary.  They had a connection in UK air traffic control who alerted the pilot.  He in turn wished them a happy anniversary, and sent back a bottle of champagne.  That was quite something on the commercially ill-fated Braniff budget airline.  I had taken along 2 pairs of new but unhemmed trousers and a sewing kit to while away the hours of the flight.  After the champagne, everone was so happy, I thought it would be a good opportunity to invite Margaret to help.  She took one look at my sewing technique, immediately took a pair, and finished 2 legs before I had done one.   No doubt her needle work was just as superior as her speed, but my memory of that detail has been lost over the years.  
Rest in Peace Margaret.

OBITUARY

Margaret Ayre

February 5, 1932 – April 14, 2026

Forest Park - The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services