LONDON (AP) — Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady” who infuriated European allies, found a fellow believer in Ronald Reagan and transformed her country by a dedication to free markets in 11 years as prime minister, has died. She was 87 years old.
Here are the milestones in the life and career of Britain’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher:
Oct. 13, 1925: Born at Grantham, central England.
June 1947: Graduates from Oxford with a chemistry degree.
Dec. 13, 1951: Marries Denis Thatcher, a wealthy oil executive.
Aug. 15, 1953: Gives birth to twins, Mark and Carol.
June 1, 1954: Qualifies as a lawyer.
Oct. 8, 1959: Elected to Parliament.
June 20, 1970: Becomes education secretary.
Feb. 11, 1975: Elected leader of the Conservative Party.
May 3, 1979: Wins national elections, becomes prime minister.
June 9, 1983: Wins second term.
June 11, 1987: Wins third term.
Jan. 3, 1988: Becomes Britain’s longest continuously serving prime minister of 20th century.
Nov. 22, 1990: Announces resignation after party revolt.
Nov. 28, 1990: John Major succeeds her as prime minister.
June 26, 1992: Becomes Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven, a member of the unelected House of Lords with a lifetime title.
March 22, 2002: Ends public speaking after suffering a series of small strokes.
June 26, 2003: Her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, dies.
April 8, 2013: Dies of stroke.