Martha Pixley Mishler

She was the daughter of the late Don and Ernestine Pixley and Thomas A. Persing. Martha was a woman of strength, compassion, and deep dedication. She married Daniel J. Mishler, in 1984, and together they shared over four decades of partnership. She was also the devoted cat mom to her cherished Lucky.

Martha was the beloved sister of Susan P. Lauri (Tony), Vern A. Pixley (Lori), David J. Pixley (Neil Silverzweig); and Thomas R. Persing, Sidney Banaszak (Alan), and Sarah Valdez. She was the daughter-in-law of Vivian Mishler and the late Olan Mishler, sister-in-law of the late Paula Goyt (Jeff), Doug Misher (Dawn), Trina Schnabel (Doug), and Pam Loomis (Mike). In addition to her husband Dan, Martha is survived by her siblings, in-laws, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Raised in Rochester, Michigan, she graduated from Rochester High School in 1971. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and natural sciences from Alma College in 1975, and later completed a master’s degree in special education at Oakland University in 1982.

Martha dedicated 30 years to teaching in the Hartland Consolidated Schools, where she inspired countless first- and second-grade students, as well as those in special education. Her career was marked by passion, patience, and a true love for helping children grow.

In the 1990s, Martha and Dan built their dream home on the shores of Lake Charlevoix. They retired to Boyne City full-time in 2005, where Martha embarked on a successful second career as a licensed realtor. She was a proud member of the team at Pat O’Brien & Associates Realty and remained active in the field until her passing.

Deeply involved in her community, Martha was a dedicated member of the Boyne City Rotary Club—serving as a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow—and was a strong supporter of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Lake Charlevoix Association.

Martha’s love extended to all living things. Whether it was nurturing students, guiding clients through home sales, or leading service projects, she gave her time and heart freely. A lifelong animal lover, she cared deeply for her many beloved pets over the years—Princer, Jinxy, Joe, Miffy, Mildred Ann, Jodie, Champ, Sophie, Duncan, Sabre, Sadie, and Lucky—and was a loyal supporter of the Charlevoix Area Humane Society.

Martha wished to acknowledge the phenomenal care provided by the Mayo Clinic and the steadfast support of her family and friends. Martha also appreciated the care provided by the infusion center at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McClaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. Her family is grateful for the support and care of the same.

Gifts in Martha’s memory may be made to the Charlevoix Area Humane Society www.charlevoixhumane.org , the Rotary Club of Boyne City www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3304/ , The Lake Charlevoix Association www.lakecharlevoix.org , or the Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic — where contributions will be directed to pancreatic cancer research in her honor.

A Celebration of Martha's Life will be held at a later date "Up North." Time and Place to be determined.