Margaret Van Allen

Margaret Van Allen, 66, of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. She was born on April 20, 1959, in New York, New York.

Margaret spent the majority of her life in Connecticut, living within the Greater Hartford metropolitan area, before relocating to Maryland in 2023 to live with her daughter. She was a woman of quiet strength, intellect, and grace, known for her warmth, style, thoughtfulness, and deep sense of independence.

Margaret dedicated more than three decades of service to the State of Connecticut, most notably with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), where she worked from 1997 until her retirement in 2022. Throughout her career, she was respected for her integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring systems served children and families with accuracy and care. Her work touched countless lives across the state, and she took pride in mentoring and supporting colleagues throughout her tenure.

A lifelong learner, Margaret pursued higher education later in life with determination and excellence. She earned an Associate of Business Science, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a Paralegal Certificate, and a Master’s Degree in Human Services. At the time of her passing, she was continuing her studies toward a Doctor of Health Science in Productive Aging, a testament to her curiosity, resilience, and commitment to growth.

In 2013, Margaret began her Bible studies as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized in 2017 at Kingdom Hall Central in Bloomfield, Connecticut. After moving to Maryland, she became an active member of Kingdom Hall Russett in Laurel, where the congregation provided steadfast spiritual and personal support during her periods of illness and recovery. Her faith was an important part of her life and brought her comfort and community.

Above all, Margaret cherished her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found joy in nurturing connections across generations. She carried herself with dignity and femininity, loved color and style, and possessed a quiet pride in the lives and accomplishments of her loved ones.

Margaret is survived by her beloved daughter, LaToya White; her grandchildren Tanijha White, Jarius & Tijhana Coates, Clarence White III, Clayvon White, and Quincy Thomas; and her great-grandchildren Tremaine Patterson, Maia Lenn Mosby, Winter Coates-White, Kimbella White, Michaela Mosby, Leilah Coates, Gaia White, Kaiden White, Z’hara White, Journey Coates, Kaaliyah White, and one great-grandchild on the way. She also leaves behind many beloved family members and friends, as well as fellow Witnesses, former coworkers and caregivers who held her in deep respect.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edith Van Allen and Alfred Cross; her son Clarence White Jr.; her grandfather Frederic Van Allen; her aunts Joyce Gomez, Patricia Shaffer, and Muriel Broadhurst; and her cousin and cherished “big sister,” Jacqueline Lancelin.

A memorial service will be held at Kingdom Hall Central, 580 Tower Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut. The date and time will be shared privately. In accordance with her wishes, Margaret will be cremated.

A separate Celebration of Life will be held at American Legion Post 142, 2121 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut. The date and time will be shared privately. This gathering will honor the fullness of her life, her love of family, and the legacy she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to assist with travel and final arrangements, as Margaret’s immediate family is traveling from Maryland and California. Contributions may be sent via PayPal to LaToya White (toya860) or Zelle for those with LaToya’s phone number. For inquiries, email toya860@gmail.com.