A former Ayrshire Post features editor has died at the age of 83.
Margaret Flannigan, who was more commonly known under her maiden name of Clarke, passed away peacefully on January 25.
Her funeral will take place at Masonhill Crematorium at 2pm on Tuesday, February 21, with attendees encouraged to wear bright colours “to reflect Margaret’s nature”.
Born in July 1939 and brought up in Stewarton, Margaret was the daughter of Euphemia Clarke and Eric D Clarke.
Eric was a cartoonist who contributed satirical cartoons and illustrations to newspapers including the Post.
Margaret worked in a bank in Kilmarnock before marrying Bill O’Hara then moving to Ayr.
After running a boarding house and children’s playgroup for a few years, Margaret opened and ran the very successful Sandpiper Coffee House in Cathcart Street, Ayr, throughout the 1970s and early 80s.
After selling the business, Margaret ventured down a new path and followed in her father’s footsteps of working at a newspaper.
Margaret joined the Ayrshire Post in 1985 to become features editor.
In 1987 Margaret married Les Flannigan, with the duo said to be a “formidable team”.
The couple first met in the Sandpiper whilst Les was a police photographer.
Les retired to become a ‘weel kent’ press photographer working with the Post, and often features written by Margaret were photographed by Les.
Sadly Les died in 2008 but Margaret continued to enjoy a happy life with many dear friends who visited her flat near Ayr beach, where she loved to walk.
Latterly Margaret lived with Alzheimer’s Disease with her son Dougie, family and friends working tirelessly to keep her independent.
Support from Doctor Lindsay Miller and his team at Cathcart Street Practice, South Ayrshire Carers, the drivers from I-Care meals and Well Pharmacy, Sandgate, and many others helped make this possible.
Eventually Margaret had to move into care and finally settled in Burnfoot House Care Home in Patna, where she regularly joined in activities and where she received exemplary care.
Margaret’s family have requested family flowers only, but donations would be welcome after the service to Alzheimer Scotland.
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