Mrs. Cathy, wife of former MU head coach Sir Alex Ferguson, passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday morning UK time, in Cheshire.

A statement on behalf of the Ferguson family said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday of Lady Cathy Ferguson, leaving behind her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchildren. The family requests privacy at this time.”

Ferguson first met Cathy in 1964 when he was just 23 years old and married two years later in 1966. The couple had three children together. They are Mark, born in 1968, and twins Darren and Jason, born in 1972. Darren is currently the coach of Peterborough United. Previously, he coached teams like Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers.

Sharing about family life, Ferguson once said: “Cathy is wonderful. She takes very good care of her children but is also very strict. If any of them misbehaves, they will be punished.”

Ferguson also revealed that he would have retired in 2002 if it wasn’t for Cathy. Sir Alex confirmed that Cathy said: “One, your health is good. Two, I won’t leave you at home. And third, you’re still too young anyway.”

Ferguson finally ended his illustrious career in 2013. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson revealed that he would have continued working if not for the death of Briget, Cathy’s twin sister.

He shared with Mirror: “I would definitely continue if there wasn’t a heartbreak. One night, I saw her (Cathy) sitting alone with a very sad face. She and Bridget are twins so they are very close. So I decided to quit my coaching job so I could be with her more.”

In his final game in charge, Ferguson paid tribute to Cathy. “For 47 years, she was the breadwinner of the family, taking care of our three sons and sacrificing herself for me,” he said during a farewell ceremony for home fans. I want to send my most sincere thanks to her.”