Remembering Margaret Jefferson
WILLIE McINTYRE notes that the grave of Stan Laurel’s mother has been sadly “disrespected” and ponders “Why?” Alas, he has no answers.
Stan Laurel's mother, Margaret Jefferson (known professionally as Madge Metcalfe), was buried in Cathcart Cemetery in Glasgow on 3rd December 1908. She was 48 years old.
It is well documented that a dedicated Son of the Desert located the grave for the Sons in 1983. It led to the Sons fraternity lamenting the fact that no headstone had ever been in place. The grave bore signs of sad neglect.
Beginning in 2020, three markers in turn appeared on the grave - all three hideously inappropriate, but with the approval of “the family”. They have been an embarrassment to the public, the Friends of Cathcart Cemetery and to the Sons of the Desert. Margaret deserves much better!
Recently a group of well-respected Sons the Desert resolved to put things right. Funds and practical support were on offer at no cost to “the family”.
Lo and behold, the well-meaning Sons were rudely told by “the family” to abandon the project (to which “the family” had earlier agreed). “The family” wrote that they were “really tired of hearing about Madge’s grave.” Imagine the disappointment, as a lot of time and effort had been expended and hopes were high.
Can anyone understand this situation? Margaret Jefferson merits respect and I am sure that Stan Laurel would be deeply upset by the lack of compassion and concern.
I am, of course, aware of a project of a few years ago which failed amid controversy. It is all the more reason, therefore, for a well-respected group of Sons to put this right. But they have been told to desist, in no uncertain terms.
Meanwhile Margaret Jefferson’s grave remains “disrespected”.
FLASHBACK
Bowler Dessert 10 (May 1983) contained the following text:
Stan Laurel's mother, Madge Metcalfe, died on 1st December 1908. She was in interred at Cathcart Cemetery, Glasgow, two days later.
The cause of death was registered as debility and her place of residence was 17 Craigmiller Road, Glasgow. There is no record of anyone else having been buried in the lair, the number of which is L203.
Members of the Bonnie Scotland Tent recently visited the grave and resolved to have it tidied. The possibility of a grave marker was also discussed.
The following contemporary obituary comes to our notice thanks to Nancy Wardell, Stan's cousin, and Bill Cubin.
Widespread was regret, not only amidst the ranks of the theatrical profession, but also those of social circles in the various towns with which her name had been associated, when it became known that Mrs. Arthur Jefferson, professionally known as Madge Metcalfe, had passed away in Glasgow.
The numerous telegrams and letters of condolence from all parts of the country bare eloquent testimony to the chain of friendships she had forged during her theatrical career.
Prior to her marriage, she was not in any way theatrically connected and it speaks volumes for her abilities and energy to find that she soon afterwards played the leading “heavy” roles in her husband's plays. Her most important part was Olga Snake in Bootblack, in which she excelled. Beautifully gowned, she made a most imposing appearance. The press in every town visited and accorded her its unstinted and certainly deserved praise..
In addition to acting she proved an invaluable aid to her husband in the decoration schemes for his various theatres and play staging, and he attributes much of his early success to her artistic taste in that affection as well as to her business tact.
She had been in indifferent health for the past year or two, but the end was unanticipated, coming with startling suddenness, .but in perfect peace and calm resignation.
The remains were entered at Cathcart Cemetery, which is beautifully situated in the suburbs of Glasgow, and the last resting place was eternally covered with beautiful wreaths. She leaves four children to mourn her loss.