Lisa Elaine Brakel

In Loving Memory of Lisa Brakel

Lisa Brakel, age 67, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She graduated from Benton Central H.S., Oxford, IN, and earned degrees from Indiana State University (B.S. Music Ed., M.Ed.) and Indiana University (MLS) before embarking on a distinguished 42-year career as a music educator and school librarian. She touched thousands of students and spanned several communities, including East Tipp Middle School, Lafayette, IN (where she was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1993), Christian Heritage School, Riverdale, UT, Central Davis H.S., Layton, UT, Bedford Public Schools, Temperance, MI, Monroe Public Schools, Monroe, MI, and Airport Community Schools, Carlton, MI where she served as District School Librarian, retiring in 2024. Early in her career, she also had opportunities to teach music internationally, teaching in Jamaica and Kuwait.

Whether directing band rehearsals, conducting performances, or managing libraries, Lisa brought relentless energy, warmth, and dedication to her craft.

Her impact extended far beyond individual classrooms. Lisa was a visionary leader and passionate advocate for school libraries on both state and national levels. She served on the board for 15 years then became President of the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL). She also served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), eventually having the honor of running for President. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services.

Recognized by her peers for her extraordinary service, she was honored with several of MASL’s prestigious awards, the Margaret Grazier Award for Contribution to the Profession, and the Mentor Award and the President’s Award.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa’s generous spirit, quick humor, and encouragement made her a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend. Above all else, family was the anchor of Lisa’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend who cherished every milestone and moment spent with her loved ones.

Lisa is survived by her husband Timothy Brakel, her children Skyler Brakel and Brammer Brakel, grandcats Nova and Atlas, and sister Lori Smith. Lisa was preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Leona Smith.

The family will be receiving friends in the Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home 5055 Secor Rd Toledo, Ohio on Friday September 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Additional time for gathering will be Saturday September 5, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church 4855 W. Central Toledo, Ohio where memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Cecil Thompson officiating. Burial will be private at Bedford Memorial Gardens

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lisa’s memory to Airport Community Schools Libraries (Carlton, MI), the Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital, The Victory Center - Toledo or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.