172 grandchildren gather for funeral

SALFORD, England, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The funeral of Maggie Ward in Salford, England, drew a sizeable crowd -- including her 172 grandchildren -- the family said.

It was the first time all 172 -- ranging in age from 11 to 51 -- had gathered together in one place. Family members said Ward's funeral Wednesday was also attended by the 12 surviving children of Ward's original brood of 15, as well as her 36 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren, The Daily Mail reported Thursday.

"She would never forget a birthday and got everyone a present at Christmas," Ward's daughter, Anne Hudson, said of her mother, who died at 87. "She bought presents all year round -- she would go to markets to get gifts so she could afford something for everyone.

"She was tough but she had to be to keep us all in line. She was very proud of her family."