Margaret Stevenson Van Cleef

In Loving Memory of Margaret (Maggie) Stevenson Van Cleef

It is with profound sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Maggie Stevenson Van Cleef. A woman of boundless kindness and a truly spiritual soul, Maggie touched the lives of everyone she encountered with her warmth, generosity, and loving spirit.

Born in 1959 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Maggie's journey was rooted in the enduring connections she formed throughout her life. In high school, she met her future husband, Mark, beginning a lifelong partnership and devotion. Maggie went on to pursue her education at St. Lawrence University, a period marked by a spirit of adventure that led her to study abroad in Kenya and Vienna.

In 1984, she moved to Colorado, the place she would ultimately call home. She received her Masters in Library Science from the University of Denver. Maggie built a distinguished career dedicated to public service, serving with the State of Colorado's Inactive Mine Reclamation Program and later as the Purchasing Director for the Department of Natural Resources.

Beyond her professional achievements, Maggie's true legacy lies in the relationships she nurtured. A devoted fan of the Grateful Dead, she lived her life with a sense of rhythm and joy that resonated with all who knew her. Maggie was a woman of deep faith and was an active member of the United Church of Christ, where her spirituality and love were felt by all in her community. Maggie was a modern renaissance woman who prayed, volunteered, meditated, cooked, baked, sewed, knitted, crafted, quilted, travelled, studied, researched, debated, and read voraciously. These are precious memories she leaves for all who loved her.

Maggie is survived by her loving husband, Mark; her mother, Betty; her children, Luke and Moriah (Dylan); her beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Hazel; her brother, Doug (Harlean); and her sister, Amy (Joel). She leaves behind many close friends whom she held dear. She is preceded in death by her father, Malcolm.

Maggie will be remembered as the kindest person many of us have ever known-a beacon of light whose love will continue to shine through the lives of those she leaves behind. She will be profoundly missed.

Service Details

A celebration of Maggie's life will be held on October 3rd, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington Park United Church of Christ, 7150 Montview Boulevard, Denver.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maggie's memory may be made to the FISH of East Denver or the Women's Bean Project