A popular couple who was familiar faces in the town lives were celebrated after their sad passing just weeks apart.
Michael and Margaret Fraher who you would have seen frequently in town with their matching trolleys and enjoying a breakfast together in Boswells were married for an incredible 57 years. The couple’s friendly approach that brought smiles to the people they spoke to, or if you saw them racing their trolleys around the town and hearing Michael telling Margaret to hurry up.
Michael was from Ireland and moved to England in the 1950’s and was on a train when he spotted the McDougalls factory and decide that this is where he would settle. Cupid then played its part as Michael struggled to clock in and out a young lady, who would be his future wife Margaret would help him. Using his Irish charm the 2 would become inseparably and eventually in 1963 would marry and would live a loving and happy life together to the end.
We spoke to their niece Louise Hoskins who told us “My Auntie and Uncle are sadly missed but they were so loved and well thought of in the community. They would head into town together and talk to all”.
The couple settled and worked together in Andover and they both worked in the RAF for a period as Michael fuelled the aircrafts and Margaret in the post room. Their life was filled with love and positive vibes. They would love to holiday to Bournemouth and would make friends for life on their holidays. Louise added “I saw them as grandparents, they were so kind and fun to be around and I remember them taking on holidays to Bournemouth when I was younger and I have some of my fondest memories with them.
“My uncle had an infectious smile and was a bit of a joker”.
Margaret passed on June 11 and Michael on July 3 and on July 5a special celebration was held for them both and Louise mentioned of their passing on Facebook was met with a huge influx of messages from people that this wonderful couple touched.
Over 50 years of marriage is such a rare thing now and the love these two had is an example to us all, they never had much money but their positive outlook and love for each other shone through and touched many people who had the pleasure of talking with them. It’s sad that they are no longer with us but they will be in the memories of people for years to come.
