Margaret Mathias Martin, devoted Mother, Grandmother, artist, traveler, and longtime member of the Elkhart community, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Margaret was born in Detroit, MI near her family home in Windsor, Canada, on June 26, 1928, to Ray and Lila Grossman. At the age of 11, they relocated to Elkhart, IN. Margaret attended Camp Kohana in Glen Arbor, MI and went on to attend Pinebrook School for Girls (now The Leelanau School), also in Glen Arbor, MI. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, in 1949, beginning a life defined by creativity, curiosity, and a deep love of the arts. She maintained a lifelong connection to Mount Holyoke College and served for many years on its Art Advisory Board.

Following her time at Mount Holyoke, she moved to New York City where she was an artist and co-manager for Mary Chase Marionettes, creating marionettes for T.V. She remained an active sculptor and artist throughout her life including many car and train rides to the Art Institute of Chicago where she took classes and volunteered her time. During her times in Chicago, she enjoyed her membership to the Women’s Athletic Club (lovingly referred to as “The WAC”).

On October 1, 1955, Margaret married R. David Mathias Jr. in Elkhart, IN. They raised their five children in Elkhart where they were active in both the civic and business communities and were founding members of Elcona Country Club. Margaret served as a Trustee of the Board of Directors of the Stanley Clark School and was on the Board of Directors of Bridgework Theater. Additionally, Margaret was very active and involved with Tri-Kappa, Thursday Club, and numerous other endeavors including teaching etiquette classes at Montessori School in Elkhart.

Following the end of her marriage to David, Margaret spent many years traveling, sailing and having adventures with William F. Martin. They eventually married on September 8, 2000, and they remained married until his death in 2006.

Margaret was an avid traveler, visiting six continents, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica. Her travels reflected her enduring sense of wonder and appreciation for the world.

She is survived by her five children: Deborah Burton (William), Robert Mathias (Karen), Lesley Reising (Randy), Jennifer Patton and Mary Santowski (Mike); 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Jonathon Bayne Burton.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Greenleaf Health Campus and especially to her Visiting Angel, Rebecca, for her care, guidance, and companionship provided to Margaret right until the very moment of her passing.

Margaret will be remembered for her creativity, curiosity, generosity, and deep devotion to her family. Her artistic legacy and adventurous, yet refined spirit lives on through her many descendants. She will be deeply missed!

Visitation on Saturday, August 15, 2026, will be open to the public from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. The service following visitation will be private for family only.

Memorial contributions in memory of Margaret may be made to the Midwest Museum of American Art 429 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516 or to the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, creative arts program at www.greatfutures.club/programs/creative-arts/.