Margaret Fordwoh, née Adarkwah and affectionately known to her family as Akua Maggie, was born on 2 September 1939 to Opanin Kwame Koning and Obaapanin Akua Serwah, both of blessed memory. She was the fifth of their six children and grew up as a bright, warm and cherished member of a loving family.
Margaret was born in Bekwai, Ghana, on 2 September 1939, the fifth of six children born to Opanin Kwame Koning and Obaapanin Akua Serwah. From her earliest days she was known for her brightness, her warmth and the affection she drew from everyone around her.
Home was full of family, and Margaret grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and siblings — a foundation of faith, respect and hard work that stayed with her for the rest of her life.
From an early age Margaret showed remarkable brightness and a love of learning. She attended the local Anglican School in Bekwai, where one of her classmates was Kofi Annan, who would later become Secretary-General of the United Nations.
This was a story Margaret loved to tell, and one that always brought a special sparkle to her memories of childhood. Kofi Annan later left Bekwai to continue his secondary education at Mfantsipim School.
As Margaret entered adulthood, she met Mr Alex Korsah. They were blessed with a daughter, Baaba, whose English name was Isabella. The name Isabella was inspired by the Spanish Queen Isabella I, who was born in 1451 and died in 1504.
Margaret later met Mr P. K. Brown, who was beginning his training as a Police Cadet. Together, they were blessed with three children: Angela, Evelyn and Victor.
Through the joys and challenges of motherhood, Margaret devoted herself to raising and nurturing her children, always keeping her family close to her heart.
After making two visits to London, Margaret made it her permanent home in 1975. This marked the beginning of a new chapter and the place where she would build some of her most enduring memories.
She settled first in Chiswick, finding her way in a new city while holding fast to the values, faith and family ties she carried with her from Ghana.
In 1978, Margaret met Mr Michael Fordwoh. Their relationship blossomed, and they married on 3 May 1980 at Brentford Registrar's Office. Soon afterwards, they moved from Chiswick to Brentford, which became the heart of their family life.
Mr Fordwoh died in 2005. His passing left a deep void in Margaret's life, but she carried on with remarkable strength. She remained devoted to her family and continued to be a source of love, wisdom and comfort.
In 1984, Margaret and Mr Fordwoh moved into a larger home in Brentford. It was here that they raised their family, welcomed grandchildren and created countless memories.
The Brentford home became more than a house: it was the centre of the family, filled with love, laughter, conversations, celebrations and, above all, Margaret's presence.
The family continued to grow, and Brentford remained its main home. Margaret stayed at the heart of it all: a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose presence brought a sense of belonging to generations of her family.
Margaret was blessed with four children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her greatest legacy is not simply the number of lives she brought into the world, but the family she nurtured, the values she passed on and the love that continues to bind them together.
Although her family's hearts are heavy with grief, they are deeply grateful that they were blessed to call her Mum. They are grateful for every sacrifice, word of advice, prayer, meal, story, smile and precious moment she gave them.
“She was truly a force to be reckoned with — and those who knew her will forever carry a piece of her strength, wisdom and unforgettable spirit.”
A gathering
