HIGH POINT — Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Kenstler Mutschler, 93, a resident of High Point, NC, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at home, in the care of her family. A native of Western Pennsylvania, she was born on November 13, 1919 in Beaver County, PA, to the late John Kenstler and Margaret Schwartz Kenstler.
She was a 1937 graduate of Ambridge High School in Ambridge, PA and was Valedictorian of her class. She received an academic scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from there in 1942, with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. After college, she taught math in the Avonworth School District, located in Ben Avon, PA. Her teaching career lasted only a few years, but it was an experience about which she was very proud.
On October 31, 1942, Margaret married Lavern A. Mutschler and they settled in Leetsdale, PA, one of the many towns in and around suburban Pittsburgh. Margaret always had an interest in antiques, and in the early 1950's she started her own antique business, simply named "Margaret Mutschler Antiques". Her passion for and knowledge about fine antiques, combined with the joy she had for the antique business itself, led her to be looked upon in the Western Pennsylvania and Tri-State area as an expert in the field. When her husband became a licensed auctioneer, they expanded the business to include his talent in that area, and attending an estate auction conducted by L.A. Mutschler and Associates became a popular way to spend a weekend afternoon. Even when she relocated to High Point in 1995, Margaret continued to maintain her interest in antiques, offering an interesting inventory of case goods at Antique Marketplace in Greensboro, as long as her health permitted.
Margaret also enjoyed playing bridge and became an avid bridge player once she relocated to High Point. She was a regular player in many local bridge clubs and much of the pleasure she received from that hobby came about because of the many close friendships she developed among the other members. Her local friends were all very special to her and were an important part of her life.
In addition to her parents and her husband, preceding her in death were her brother, John Kenstler, Jr.; her sister, Helen Kenstler; and a nephew, John H. Kenstler. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Fairchild and son-in-law James Fairchild, both of High Point; her grandson, Andrew Fairchild of High Point, and her nieces Dorothy Dille of New Brighton, PA and Diane Johnson of La Belle, FL.
A service to celebrate Margaret's life will be held Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel, at Cumby Family Funeral Service, in High Pont, with Reverend Janet Forrest officiating. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will follow in the Life Tribute Center, at Cumby Family Funeral Service. A committal service will be held Monday, January 14, 2013, at 11 a.m., in the Chapel at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester, PA. Memorials in Margaret's memory may be made to: Friends of Old Economy Village, 270 16th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003 or to the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, 200 Broad Street, Sewickley, PA 15143. 15143. The family would like to thank Dr. George Sanders, Dr. Rafaela Aguiar, and Hospice of The Piedmont for their concern, comfort and excellent care shown to Mrs. Mutschler, during her illness. Online condolences may be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service of High Point, NC
