Margaret Mary Allsup, a devoted sister, beloved aunt, and compassionate nurse anesthetist, passed away peacefully at home in Philadelphia on Friday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family—just as she had prayed for.

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret was the sixth of twelve children of Mary Eva and Richard C. Allsup. She was baptized and educated at St. James Catholic Church and School in Steelton, where her Catholic faith took root and flourished throughout her life. A 1956 graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, Margaret followed in the footsteps of her older sister and pursued nursing at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Her passion for healing and service led her to earn multiple degrees and certifications, including BSN, MSN, AMLS, and CRNA, from esteemed institutions such as The Catholic University of America, Case Western Reserve University, Howard University, and The George Washington University.

Margaret’s career spanned nearly five decades, marked by excellence, empathy, and tireless dedication. She served in Washington, D.C. at Walter Reed Medical Center, Freedmen’s Hospital, the D.C. Department of Public Health, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and the D.C. Department of Human Resources. Her longest tenure—22 years—was with Washington Hospital Center’s Associated Anesthesiologist Service, P.C., where she was known not only for her clinical skill but for her calming presence and deep compassion for patients.

Though her education and work took her far from home, Margaret remained deeply connected to her family. Her mother’s handwritten newsletters, and her cherished visits back home kept her close to the rhythms of home life. In Washington, she was never truly alone. She shared a bond with her sisters who settled in the DC metro area, enjoyed many family gatherings at Henrietta’s, and traveled to nursing conferences with her sister Cecelia, who was also a nurse anesthetist. In her later years, Margaret returned to Philadelphia, where she lived with her sister and brother and grew even closer to her nieces and their children.

She is survived by her sisters, Henrietta E. Winfield of Washington, DC, Elizabeth Ann McPherson of Philadelphia, PA and Rosemary D. Allsup of Florida; her brother, C. Michael Allsup of Philadelphia, PA. Margaret will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—patients, colleagues, friends, and especially family.

A Mass for the dead will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 815 S. 2nd Street, Steelton and burial in Resurrection Cemetery.