Answer Summary
The phrase “how old was Margaret when she died” typically refers to one of several notable Margarets in public records. Without additional context, the most commonly cited is Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, who died at age 87 on 8 April 2013. This article focuses on verified data for high‑profile Margarets, how to confirm age at death, and why precise identification matters for accurate biographical research.
Identify the Correct Margaret
Because the name Margaret is shared by many people, the first step in answering age‑at‑death questions is to identify the specific individual. Possible candidates include political leaders, royalty, scientists, activists, and figures from arts and culture. Each has distinct birth and death dates that determine age at death. Clear identification reduces errors and supports reproducible research.
Common Candidates
- Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013), former UK Prime Minister
- Margaret Bourke-White (1904–1971), American photographer
- Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949), American author of Gone with the Wind
- Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon (1930–2002), British royal
- Margaret Sanger (1779–1853), American entrepreneur and inventor
Margaret Thatcher: Primary Example
Thatcher was born 13 October 1925 and died 8 April 2013. She was 87 years old at death. She served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and remained a globally recognized political figure. Her death followed a stroke; her exact age can be verified using birth and death certificates, biographies, and reputable archives.
How to Verify Age at Death
Reliable age-at-death values come from official documents and authoritative sources. Key evidence includes birth certificates, death certificates, census records, and peer‑reviewed biographies. Cross referencing multiple sources increases confidence and clarifies ambiguities such as calendar differences or missing records.
Quick Fact Check Table
| Margaret | Date of Birth | Date of Death | Age at Death | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margaret Thatcher | 13 October 1925 | 8 April 2013 | 87 years | Official records + biographies |
| Margaret Mitchell | 8 November 1900 | 16 August 1949 | 48 years | Official records + biographies |
| Margaret Bourke-White | 14 June 1904 | 16 August 1971 | 67 years | Official records + biographies |
| Princess Margaret | 21 August 1930 | 9 February 2002 | 71 years | Official records + biographies |
Why the Question Requires Specifics
Asking how old Margaret was when she died only makes sense after identifying which Margaret is meant. Timelines, cultural contexts, and geographic regions differ, affecting which Margaret is relevant. Providing dates, full names, and roles ensures clarity and supports fact‑based conclusions across disciplines such as history, journalism, and research.
Best Practices for Biographic Research
Use primary documents first, such as birth and death certificates, census data, and registries. Supplement with vetted biographies, academic articles, and reputable institutional records. Maintain a log of sources, confirm consistency across records, and note any discrepancies. These steps support transparency and long‑term usefulness of findings.
Common Misconceptions
Confusion often arises when multiple prominent Margarets exist in the same era or field. Some assume references are to the most famous Margaret without confirming context. Others mix similar timelines or approximate ages, which leads to inaccuracies. Clear identification and source citation prevent these errors.