A HUSBAND has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late wife.

Margaret Gaskell passed away at the age of 77 in December and has now been remembered by her husband of 38 years, Bert Gaskell.

In his tribute to Margaret, Bert has spoken about his wife’s conscientious approach to everything she did.

Bert wrote: “Margaret was always very passionate in everything she did and that showed in her love for gardening.

“Margaret also had a great love of craft, and was particularly accomplished at cross-stitch. She created many cross-stitch birth and christening announcements.

"Everything Margaret did was to the highest standard. Such was her meticulousness for detail, she was once observed ironing her shoelaces!”

Born in Kirkby-in-Furness on May 4 1943, Margaret was the daughter of Plato and Elsie Fell.

Growing up, a young Margaret attended Ulverston Grammar School.

She had two jobs before joining the Women’s Royal Naval Service where she worked as an aircraft technician for three years.

After leaving the naval service, Margaret then began working at Kepplewray Special School in Broughton.

When the school closed, Margaret then started work at Silverdale’s Bleasdale House Special School.

In total, Margaret clocked up 30 years in the profession.

Away from the classroom, Margaret and Bert, shared a real passion for hiking.

The two married at Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, and spent their honeymoon wild camping down Niagara Falls.

Margaret and Bert’s camping trips took place either side of the Atlantic.

Bert explained: “We did many long-distance walks together. Margaret’s favourite by far was the 200 miles Coast to Coast Walk – St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay. Other favourites included the 84-mile Dales Way Walk from Ilkley to Bowness, the 72-mile Cumbria Way Walk from Ulverston to Carlisle and the 100-mile Coast Path Walk around the Isle of Man, namely the ‘Way of the Gull’. Although Margaret suffered from vertigo, we walked over 1,500 mountains together, including all of the Wainwrights (twice) plus Ben Nevis and numerous walks in Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales.

"Margaret’s biggest passion was for the campervan and we had many happy holidays in the Orkneys, Shetland Isles, Western Isles, Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.”

Unfortunately, Margaret became ill in later life and moved to a care home.

Bert has now thanked staff at Abbey Meadow Piel Unit for their help.

He said: “Margaret fought her terrible illness with great courage and fortitude, cared for at home by me for the first two years. Going into a care home wasn’t something we wanted but was best for Margaret and she has received the loving care she deserved at Abbey Meadow Piel Unit and we shall be eternally grateful to them.”

Finishing his moving tribute, Bert highlighted that Margaret ‘will be greatly missed’.

Bert commented: “Margaret has given so much love and care during her lifetime and will be greatly missed.

“Rest in Peace Margaret and thank you for the days. Love always, Bert.

‘The joys of love are but a moment long

‘The pain of love endures the whole life long’ – Plaisir D’Amour.”