Margaret Whitely (née Pearce) was the only daughter of Harold and Phyllis Pearce.
Margaret passed away from cancer in 1977, after having been told by her mother not to worry about a lump she had discovered. By the time the cancer was discovered and operated upon it was already too late.
In 1993, Phyllis confided in Des Barnes that she still felt guilt over Margaret's death following the death of Des' partner Lisa in a road accident.