With profound sadness and immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Margaret Murray Uhlenkott, affectionately known as “Mags,” on July 27, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved her beyond measure.

Born on March 11, 1951, in Glasgow, Scotland, Margaret was the beloved daughter of William and Janet Murray. As the eldest of eight children, she helped lead a close-knit family alongside her beloved siblings Josephine, James, William, Janet, Frances, Catherine, and MaryAnne. Growing up in Glasgow instilled in Margaret a lifelong pride in her Scottish heritage. She carried with her the warmth of family, a spirited sense of humor, unwavering resilience, and a fierce loyalty to those she loved. Though she would eventually cross the Atlantic, Scotland was never something she left behind. It lived on in her stories, traditions, music, faith, and in the deep love she held for her family and homeland.

Margaret’s greatest adventure began when she married Military Naval Commander Gary Wynne Uhlenkott. As a proud military wife, she embraced the unknown with courage, leaving the only home she had ever known to begin a new life in the United States. Together, Gary and Margaret built a beautiful life in sunny Chula Vista, California, creating a home rooted in Catholic faith, sacrifice, hard work, laughter, and unconditional love. Together they shared 55 wonderful years building a partnership founded on unwavering devotion, resilience, and an enduring commitment to one another and to the family they cherished. Their love was the cornerstone upon which generations of their family were built.

Margaret and Gary welcomed twins, Leigh and Scott, who were born in Scotland before the family made the journey to America. They later welcomed their youngest son, Craig, who completed their family.

Nothing in Margaret’s life brought her greater joy than her family. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Sophia daughter of Leigh, and to Ava, Addison, Amelia, and Ainsley, daughters of Craig and Nicole. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world and her greatest blessing.

To so many, Mags was more than a mother—she was a mother to many. Her home, her heart, and her table were always open. She celebrated life with enthusiasm and treasured every opportunity to gather family and friends together. Whether sharing a meal, raising a glass, or filling a room with laughter, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved.

Margaret embraced life with a fiery Scottish spirit. She loved to travel, treasured time with family and friends, and found joy in great food, good conversation, and music. She especially loved Rod Stewart and Daniel O’Donnell, whose songs became the soundtrack to countless family gatherings and cherished memories.

A woman of unwavering Catholic faith, Margaret raised her children to believe in compassion, integrity, perseverance, and unconditional love. She often reminded them: “Embrace education, work hard, be honest, and always love your children.”

Those simple words became the foundation upon which her family was built and remain one of the greatest legacies she leaves behind.

Margaret was fiercely independent, deeply compassionate, and incredibly strong. Even in her final days, she remained a fighter. Surrounded by the family she cherished beyond measure, she spent her last week embraced by laughter, stories, prayers, tears, and the comfort of those she had devoted her life to. It was a beautiful reflection of the life she had lived—a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love.

Margaret is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved parents, William and Janet; and her cherished in-laws, Orville, Laura, Sharon, Sherleen, and Terry Uhlenkott.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Gary; her children, Leigh, Scott, and Craig and his wife, Nicole; her treasured grandchildren, Ava, Addison, Sophia, Amelia, and Ainsley; her beloved siblings, Josephine, William,James, Janet, Frances, Catherine, and MaryAnne; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends throughout Scotland, the United States, and beyond

Legacy

From the cobbled streets of Glasgow to the sunlit shores of Southern California, Margaret’s life was a testament to courage, unwavering devotion, and a love so deep it shaped generations. Though she crossed an ocean, her heart never truly left Scotland. It lived on in her stories, her laughter, her traditions, her faith, and the fierce pride she carried for her homeland.

Her greatest legacy is not only the life she lived, but the lives she built. In every lesson she taught, every sacrifice she made, and every moment of unconditional love she gave, she strengthened her family and inspired those around her. Her love remains a living presence—steady, guiding, and enduring in all who were blessed to know her.

Final Farewell

Now, as we say goodbye, we do so with broken hearts and endless gratitude for the extraordinary woman who forever changed our lives. We find peace in imagining Mags reunited with her beloved parents, embraced by God’s eternal love, her spirit whole again and free from pain.

To her devoted husband of 55 years, Gary, thank you for a lifetime of unwavering love, sacrifice, and partnership. Together you built a family whose roots stretch from the streets of Glasgow to the shores of Southern California—a legacy that will endure for generations. Your love for one another was steadfast, enduring, and an example to your children, grandchildren, and all who knew you.

Rest gently, Mags. Your Scottish heart, your steadfast Catholic faith, your fierce love for family, and your joyful spirit will live on in every story we tell, every tradition we keep, and every life you touched.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. May the hills of Scotland forever echo your laughter, and may your love continue to guide us until we are together again.

Forever our Mom. Forever our heart. Forever loved.