Margaret Stinson

Margaret Stinson, 84, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Porterville, California. In the end, Margaret was surrounded by the family she loved, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, and stories that will continue to live on through those who knew her.

Margaret was born Alex Edith Margaret Caunter on January 18, 1942, in Norton, England, to John and Ellen Caunter. Raised in England, Margaret carried her British roots with her throughout her life. Even after making the United States her home, her unmistakable British accent remained, and no day was truly complete without her cup of tea.

Margaret attended Manchester University and dedicated her life to learning and sharing knowledge with others. As a kindergarten teacher, she had a special gift for encouraging young minds, nurturing curiosity, and helping children discover the joy of learning. Her love for books extended far beyond the classroom, as she spent countless hours at the local library reading to children and sharing with them the wonder and imagination found within the pages of a good book.

Margaret eventually immigrated to the United States, where becoming an American citizen became one of the meaningful milestones of her life. In 1965, Margaret married John Carl Stinson, beginning a life together filled with family, adventure, and memories.
Margaret had a spirit that was truly her own. She was adventurous, witty, and wonderfully stubborn in a way that those closest to her could not help but love. She traveled the world, embraced new experiences, and never lost her curiosity about people and places. She was fiercely independent and could often be found walking for miles, choosing the simple joy of the journey over other forms of transportation.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Margaret had a green thumb and loved caring for her plants. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs, who brought her great companionship and joy. She enjoyed creating, reading, exploring, and sharing her passions with those around her. Her devout Christian faith guided her life, shaping the kindness, generosity, and love she showed to others. Margaret was reunited in passing with her parents, John and Ellen Caunter; her husband, John Carl Stinson; and her son, Spencer Stinson.

She leaves behind a family who will carry forward her love, stories, and memory, including her children: John Stinson and his wife Cynthia; Spencer’s wife, Deborah Debbie Stinson; Kirkwood Stinson and his wife Dana; and Sarah Stinson.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: John C. Stinson III, Joshua C. Stinson, James Stinson, Rebecca Becca Stinson, Kyle Stinson and his wife Jasmin Lee Stinson, Zachary Stinson, Micah Stinson, Averie Stinson, Amanda Gray and her husband Michael Gray, Shane Hunter and Andrea Arcos, Dylan Hunter and Sara Riches, Melia Stinson and her fiancée Falcon Higgins, Noah Milliken, and Christian Stinson.

Margaret’s memory will also live on through her great-grandchildren, Alanna Gray, Jacob Gray, and John Gray.

A graveside service will be held on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakdale Mortuary and Memorial Park, 1401 West Grand Avenue, Glendale, California. A Celebration of Life honoring Margaret will be held on June 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, 1020 North Prospect Street, Porterville, California.

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