Margaret (McCuller) Henderson, 85, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 16, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family. Born in Leland, Mississippi, she was one of five children of the late Willie and Lillie (Brown) McCuller. At a young age Margaret and her family moved to St. Louis, where she would go on to build a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, service, and determination.

From a young age, Margaret proved to be highly intelligent and driven. She skipped two grades in school and excelled at all subjects. After graduating, Margaret met and fell in love with Milton Henderson. They had two children, Loretta and David, and moved the family to Boston better education and work opportunities. Although Milton's life was tragically cut short in 1973, Margaret never remarried.

With unwavering strength and grace, Margaret dedicated her life to providing the best for her children by balancing the many demands of motherhood while pursuing higher education. The first in her family to graduate college, Margaret earned her Registered Nurse degree and later furthered her education by obtaining her Master's degree from Columbia University. Her professional career in the VA Health System spanned more than forty years and stood as a testament to her dedication and leadership. Beginning her career as a nurse, Margaret steadily worked her way through the ranks, ultimately retiring as Associate Chief Nurse at the Bedford VA Hospital. Her drive and compassion ultimately inspired her son, David, to pursue his M.D. in Psychiatry.

As a single mother, Margaret worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Though her long hours and demanding career often filled her days, she never lost sight of what mattered most. She was a constant, guiding presence in her children's lives, teaching them by example the value of education, hard work, discipline, and responsibility. Her love was steady, her expectations high, and her support unconditional.

Margaret liked to say she had learned how to work but never quite learned how to play, though anyone who knew her knew that wasn't entirely true. She loved the blues and would get up to dance even when no song was playing. She cherished times when daughter Loretta took her out to hear live music. Her hair was always done, her gold jewelry adorning her hands and ears, and red was unmistakably her color—her red hat, red jacket, red nails, often all three at once. She loved Onset, Massachusetts, where she kept a summer house and gathered the family for fresh sea air and fried shrimp.

Outside of her career, Margaret devoted much of her time to serving her community. She volunteered faithfully with the Red Cross and was an active member of the ministry team at First Baptist Church in Bedford. She co-founded the New England Genealogical Society, mapped tens of generations of Hendersons and McCullers, and connected family far and wide through reunions. She also brought her knowledge on many diverse subjects to many through her involvement with Burlington Cable Access Television, where she was a frequent member and host on the local program "These Olde Farts," a role she thoroughly enjoyed and that reflected her warm personality and wonderful intellect, as well as her coy sense of humor. Margaret was also a fierce defender of civil rights and black history, and was proud to have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King.

Above all else, Margaret cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. She had a special bond with and great love for her daughter, Loretta, who went above and beyond as her primary caregiver, confidant, and friend over the last decade. She loved doting on son David and was immensely proud of his accomplishments as a physician. Her grandchildren were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Whether waking up early to help get them ready for school, seeing them off to the bus each morning, or making sure she was there when they returned home, Margaret's love and devotion were constant and unwavering. She found her greatest happiness in caring for her family and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. It was her lifelong mission to ensure the health and happiness of those lucky enough to be loved by her, and the foundation of values she built will continue to shape generations to come.

In addition to her parents and late husband, Margaret was predeceased by her siblings, Lillie Mae Allen, Etta Allen, Willie McCuller Jr. and Red McCuller. She is survived by her adoring children Loretta Henderson of Burlington and Dr. David Henderson of Cambridge, her beloved grandchildren, Isabella and Miles Henderson, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service on Thursday May 21, at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Bedford, 155 Concord Rd, Bedford. Burial will follow in Pinehaven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, contribution in her memory may be made to the American Red Cross. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.