Martha Mae (McAuliffe) Brechtel

Martha Mae (McAuliffe) Brechtel passed away peacefully on April 28, 2021 in Klamath Falls surrounded by her family. Martha or “Mert” (as most knew her) was delivered by her grandmother at her great grandparents’ homestead in Tulelake, CA on Dec 12, 1935. She grew up in Malin and graduated from Malin High School in 1954. She attended Southern Oregon College where she earned an Associate Degree in Business and then headed to San Francisco. It was there that she met her husband, Donald Brechtel. They were married in 1957, welcomed their son Michael there and then moved to Malin to farm in 1958. Their daughters Robin and Paula were born in Malin. In 1972, Martha continued her education and finished a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She retired from teaching Business after 20+ years at Bonanza High School. In 1995 they moved to Grants Pass to enjoy the retired life. In addition to spending time with her grandchildren she and Don loved traveling. They especially enjoyed several extensive road trips in the States as well as some cruises. She enjoyed a good game of pinochle, quilting, getting some great finds at yard sales, and anything Irish.

She is survived by her children; Michael (Tonia) Brechtel, Robin (David) King, and Paula Wick; grandchildren, Angelina King, Cameron (Amy) King, Whitney (Jason) Cantrell, Kevin, Patrick & Connor Wick, William & Michaela Brechtel; great-grandchildren, Blake, Tana, Gavin, and George. Also surviving are her siblings, Mollie O’ Keeffe, Kathleen (Jim) Guthrie, Charlie (Priscilla) McAuliffe, Julie (Greg) Carson, Patricia McAuliffe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Donald Brechtel; brother Michael “Jackie” McAuliffe; Brother-in-Law William O’ Keeffe; and nephews Kevin O’ Keeffe & Jimmy Guthrie. In lieu of flowers please donate to Klamath Hospice or the Malin Tree Lighting Fund.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Merrill (905 E Front St, Merrill, OR 97633) on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the Mass at 10:30 AM. A reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall. Inurnment and concluding services will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Klamath Falls at 2:00 PM.