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.
She previously resided in Glamis Castle, Angus – where she enjoyed several visits from Queen Elizabeth before her death in 2022.
In a heartfelt statement, Mary’s family described how she was revered in the local community for turning the 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 was born to Brigadier Norman McCorquodale and his wife, Barbara, on May 31, 1932.
In 1939, the family moved from Edinburgh to Buckinghamshire – where they lived at Winslow Hall, later taken over by the RAF.
Mary went on to study domestic science at Oxford, before moving to London.
She met her husband, soldier Fergus Bowes Lyon, in 1955 – with the pair tying the knot the following year.
The wedding was attended by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Mary and Fergus “lived in The White House, Glamis, for some of their early married life,” the statement added, “and continued to visit frequently from East Lothian where they lived while Fergus worked as a stockbroker in Edinburgh”.
Two decades into their marriage, they moved into Glamis Castle – the birthplace of Princess Margaret – which Mary would transform into one of Scotland’s biggest tourist attractions over the next 60 odd years.
It has hosted the likes of Margaret Thatcher, John Major and King Charles – as well as the wives of world leaders during the 2005 G8 Summit in Gleneagles.
“Fergus inherited Glamis and became the 17th Earl of Strathmore in 1972,” the statement said.
“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.”
Fergus tragically died in 1987 after collapsing while shooting grouse in the castle’s grounds.
As well as her community work – which included a campaign to save the local post office – Mary was also praised for her numerous charitable exploits.
Over the years, she worked with organisations including Multiple Sclerosis Society, Age Concern, Cancer Relief, Day Care Committee for the Elderly, Nursing Benevolent Fund, Brittle Bone Society and Child Psychotherapy Trust.
Mary leaves behind two daughters, Lady Elizabeth Leeming and Lady Diana Godfrey-Faussett, and 11 grandchildren.
A “service of thanksgiving” will take place on May 16.
