Margaret Henson
OBITUARY
LA MESA – Margaret M. Henson passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 91.
A native San Diegan, Margaret was born in City Heights to James R. Calvin and Martha D. Calvin. She was a member of the first graduating class of Helix High School in 1952. She attended San Diego State College, where she majored in Education and, upon graduation, began her career as a schoolteacher at Muir Elementary.
It was at San Diego State that she met the love of her life, Virgil “Ray” Henson. Ray was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, and Margaret was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. Their first date was at a joint fraternity and sorority event. They married in September 1957 and immediately moved to Los Angeles, where Ray attended graduate school at UCLA. While Ray earned his master’s degree in urban geography, Margaret worked as a librarian at UCLA’s iconic library. She often said they were poor during those years, but they were also some of the happiest years of their lives.
Their son, James, was born in Los Angeles in 1959, and their daughter, Laura, was born in Modesto in 1961.
Margaret devoted many years to raising her family as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother. When Jim left for California Polytechnic State University, she dusted off her college textbooks and returned to the workforce. In 1978, she joined the La Mesa Spring Valley School District as a buyer, a position she held until her retirement in 1990. She loved her work and her colleagues. One of her favorite stories was that she played matchmaker for two coworkers who went on to enjoy a happy marriage that has now lasted 37 years.
Margaret was an active member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church for 56 years. Her many ministries included serving on the Flower Guild and Altar Guild, and she was one of the founding members of Stephen Ministry. She facilitated the Bad Girls of the Bible study group and lovingly created hundreds of quilts through the Prayers and Squares Ministry. Margaret and Ray were also deeply involved with Episcopal Community Services and Camp Stevens.
She was also a dedicated member of the philanthropic women’s organization P.E.O. Sisterhood, having joined in 1975.
Margaret is survived by her son, James (Sue); her daughter, Laura (Geoff); her grandson, Paul (Laura); her granddaughter, Stephanie (Adam); four great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and extended family members.
Margaret was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her greatest passions were her faith, her family and friends, reading, and quilting. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on July 11, 2026, at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.