Margareta A. Crampton

September 20, 1936 – January 31, 2026

Labor Official/Political Director

Beloved Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother and Nonni

Margareta A. Crampton (Gambogi), 89, passed away on January 31, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. Margareta dedicated over 40 years to serving working men and women. Beginning her union career with the Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers International Union as Chief Steward and Shop Representative, she moved on to the Graphics Arts International Union as the Financial Recording Secretary and Membership Reviewer.

During this time, she was an active member of OPEIU (Office and Professional Employees International Union), Local 2, becoming the first woman to be elected First Vice President of her local, and served as Chairperson and Co-Chair of numerous committees, including the Education Committee, the COPE (Committee on Political Education) Committee and the Organizing Committee. Margareta served as the Chairperson of the Young Trade Unionists #2 from 1969 to 1984 and the Recording Secretary of the Young Trade Unionists #1 from 1970 to 1973.

In 1980, she was appointed as the Committee on Political Education (COPE) Director for the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO. She was a determined advocate for all workers and a gritty political organizer. Her unrelenting work across the State built enduring networks among the labor community and elected officials in all levels of government and gave thousands of working men and women her commitment, grit and integrity to protect their rights and improve their lives.

Margareta’s energy helped her to balance her dedication to her union family with her love and devotion to her children, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

Her home on N. Lincoln Street in Arlington, Virginia, was always open to extended family, providing love and shelter to any who may have needed it. She found great joy in celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and on these occasions her little house would be filled with family and friends, along with enormous amounts of food, so everyone would bring home enough leftovers to last a week.

She retired in 2002 as Political Director for the Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO. During her career, she was appointed by five governors as a Commissioner to the Subsequent Injury Fund Board in Maryland.

Born in Washington, DC in 1936, she attended private Catholic school, before embarking on an extremely active and meaningful career.

Survivors include her daughter Brenda Susan Junkins (Larry Sr.), son Philip Craig Crampton (Ann), nephews Michael and Joseph Nichols (Anne) and grandnephew Samuel Nichols -- beloved sons and grandson of her sister Sally Nichols, who predeceased her in 1993. Grandchildren Christopher Crampton, Megan Crampton (Zach), Larry Junkins Jr. and Robert Junkins (Kate), great grandson Isaiah Junkins (Alicia), and four great-great grandchildren.

Margareta’s marriage to Philip M. Crampton ended in divorce, but she remained his caregiver for the last 20 years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys Town and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church, 3304 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201, on February 27 at 10 am ET, followed by interment at Oakwood Cemetery, 401 Roosevelt Street, Falls Church, VA 22044.

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