Late Queen’s cousin, Mary Dowager Countess of Strathmore, dies aged 92 as family pay tribute to ‘marvellous role model’
THE late Queen's cousin, Mary Dowager, has died aged 92 - as her family pay tribute to the "marvellous role model".
Mary Dowager, Countess of Strathmore, died at her home in Melrose, on the Scottish border, on Monday, her family have confirmed.
As the late Queen Mother's niece, she was related to Queen Elizabeth by blood - with Elizabeth frequently visiting her at Glamis Castle.
Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret all attended the Countess's wedding to Fergus Bowes Lyon in 1956.
In a heartfelt statement, Mary's family described how she was revered in the local community for turning her home, Glamis Castle, into a thriving tourist attraction.
The countess had recently received a touching message from an admirer praising her for her work, according to the family.
It said: "Speaking of the best I would like to reinforce to you what a marvellous role model and figurehead you have been for Glamis over the years.
"Your dedication to, and love of, Glamis has shone through at every level.
"You are a very much loved and important figure in the history of Glamis, not just to the staff but to the wider community."
Mary spent nearly 60 years living at the castle in Angus, Scotland - where Princess Margaret was born.
The statement added: "They lived in The White House, Glamis for some of their early married life and continued to visit frequently from East Lothian where they lived while Fergus worked as a stockbroker in Edinburgh.
"Fergus inherited Glamis and became the 17th Earl of Strathmore in 1972 and, after making some adaptations to make the private side of the castle suitable for a young family, they moved in in 1975 and threw themselves into life on the estate and in the wider Angus community."
Mary leaves behind two daughters, Lady Elizabeth Leeming and Lady Diana Godfrey-Faussett, and 11 grandchildren.
Her funeral will take place on May 16.
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