The former CEO of Boston’s Handel & Haydn Society, Mary Deissler, died on Nov. 3 after a long struggle with brain cancer.

Deissler was born on Dec. 30, 1955, in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in German and Chinese from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a MBA in Entrepreneurship from Babson College. She married James Deissler in 1987.

Throughout her career, Deissler mentored countless young arts professionals who went on to lead organizations around the world. She was an active participant, board member and trustee to many national and London based organizations such as the League of American Orchestras, Chorus America, Early Music America, Chanticleer, Handel House Museum, Shelter Music Boston, and The Sixteen, among others.

Deissler was best known for her nearly 25 year tenure as CEO of Boston’s Handel + Haydn Society. Under her leadership, the organization achieved financial stability, artistic excellence, innovation and community outreach. She reestablished its endowment, released multiple acclaimed recordings, including a Grammy Award winner.

More recently she was President and CEO of the Charlotte Symphony and served as Co-Executive Director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra and Chief Strategy Officer at From the Top. In total Deissler devoted over 40 years of leadership and raised $300M+ in the nonprofit and performing arts sectors.

A memorial service was held at King’s Chapel in Boston on Nov. 29.