Margaret J. Winfrey

Margaret Winfrey, 93, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, in Northridge, CA. Born Margaret Jean Anne Miller on October 18, 1932, in Lynbrook, New York, she was the only child of Louise F. Smith and Elisha Miller.

Margaret graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1950, then attended nursing school at Manhattan State Hospital, becoming a Registered Professional Nurse in New York. She dedicated 50 years to nursing, a profession she genuinely loved and excelled in.

In 1971, she moved to Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and eldest daughter, beginning a new chapter on the West Coast.

Margaret was known for her kindness, subtle humor, and the easy way she made friends everywhere she went. She enjoyed playing Bingo, quilting, watching westerns and game shows, and spending time with her beloved grand dogs and cats. For many years she volunteered at the Wilkenson Senior Center, where she especially enjoyed hosting the popular casino bus trips to Downtown Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. Above all, one of her greatest pleasures was spending time at the local casino with her youngest daughter, Donna, playing slot machines, sharing laughs, and enjoying their special routine together. Those outings became some of her happiest and most cherished moments.

Throughout Margaret’s later years, Donna was by her side, caring for her, advocating for her, and making sure she was never alone and always supported. The bond they shared, built on loyalty, humor, and deep affection, was a steady source of strength and comfort for Margaret until the end.

Margaret is survived by her youngest daughter, Donna M. Winfrey, and her eldest daughter, Marlena May (husband: Jay Argabright). She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Elisha Miller, and her husband, Ancel L. Winfrey, Jr.

If you want to honor Margaret’s memory and life, play a slot machine, feed the hummingbirds, or make a donation to the ASPCA. She would love that.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of The Gardens at Northridge Senior Living Facility, where Margaret was affectionately known as the Bingo Queen, for the friendships, kindness, and care that enriched her final months.

If you’d like to share a memory or message in honor of Margaret, the family would be grateful.

She was truly special and will always be remembered with love.