Margaret Catherine “Sam” McDermott, age 93, of Westminster Canterbury, Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold “Mac” McDermott.

Sam was born on July 23, 1932, in Washington, D.C., the only child of the late David A. and Margaret (Logan) Fanning, Jr. She spoke fondly of her time as a boarding student at Villa Maria Academy in Falls Church, VA before graduating high school at Academy of the Holy Names, Silver Spring, MD. Sam graduated from Immaculata Junior College in 1952 and began a career with the CIA. From 1959-61 she worked in London for the Dept. of the Army as an attaché to the British Intelligence Corps. Post her CIA career, Sam worked as a private secretary for a retired high-ranking government official and was active in community affairs both in NW Washington and later when retired to Rappahannock, VA. Sam traveled extensively throughout the world and shared many memories with her family and friends.

Sam was a lover of books, art, ceramics, flowers, opera, British TV and animals of all kinds, especially her beloved cats. She was also an accomplished painter and skilled gardener. As everyone knew, Sam was a fantastic conversationalist.

Sam will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, Kim Gainey (Michael) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Sharon Mills (Steven) of Kent, England; and special friends and family.

The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers, the staff at Westminster Canterbury and Blue Ridge Hospice for the tremendous loving care that you provided to Sam. We deeply appreciate your work.

A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 E. Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA, 22701.

Memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.