In Memoriam: Mary Deissler

Mary Deissler, a transformative leader and passionate advocate for choral music, passed away in November. A former Chorus America board chair, Deissler devoted more than 40 years to advancing the arts as a force for joy, human connection, and building community.

Deissler was best known for her remarkable 25-year tenure as CEO of Boston's Handel + Haydn Society, where her visionary leadership transformed the organization into an internationally acclaimed ensemble. During her tenure, H+H achieved financial stability and expanded community engagement programming. She was particularly proud of founding H+H's youth choral program, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

A champion of Chorus America's management and fundraising programming, Deissler served on the Chorus America board from 1992 to 2008 and chaired the board from 1997 to 1999. She also played a key role in building Chorus America's Leadership Development Forum, providing specialized training and a welcoming community for her fellow administrative leaders.

Deissler was known and beloved by her colleagues for her wisdom, warmth, and sense of humor. "Mary was a mentor to me, as well as a dear friend," said Chorus America board member Dianne Peterson. "The first time I saw her do her thing was at a Chorus America session on fundraising, many years ago. She walked around the room throwing questions to random individuals and doing a back and forth on solutions and roadblocks. One of her classic lines was: 'If you don't know where the money is coming from, you probably aren't going to get it.' I use that all the time." Peterson remembers Deissler as an unpretentious leader and a good listener, with her own dry wit.

Above all, Mary Deissler will be remembered for what she gave to so many—a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and genuine human connection that touched countless lives throughout her extraordinary career.