Hillsdale County, Michigan, is mourning the unexpected passing of Circuit Court Judge Sara S. Lisznyai, a respected member of the local legal community whose career on the bench spanned more than a decade. Lisznyai died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of public service, compassion, and dedication to justice.

According to her obituary, Sara Lisznyai of Jonesville passed away Tuesday, September 1, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born August 23, 1964, in Livonia, Michigan, to Joseph and Ellenjane Soltesz. She later married Anthony “Tony” Lisznyai on August 29, 1987.

Lisznyai first entered judicial service after being elected to the 2B District Court in 2014. She subsequently won election to the Hillsdale County Circuit Court in 2020, where she served as a Circuit Court judge. She was also running unopposed for another term in November before her death.

Throughout her career, Judge Lisznyai became known for balancing accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation. She was particularly recognized for her support of substance-abuse treatment and recovery programs, reflecting an approach to the justice system that considered both responsibility and the possibility of helping people rebuild their lives.

The timing of her death brought an especially poignant moment to Hillsdale County’s treatment court community. According to reports, her passing came only hours after seven participants successfully graduated from the Hillsdale County Treatment Court under her supervision. Her work with treatment programs became one of the notable parts of her judicial legacy.

Before becoming a judge, Lisznyai practiced law with Marks & Lisznyai in Jonesville. Her legal career and years of public service established deep connections throughout Hillsdale County. The Hillsdale County Circuit Court has since listed the circuit judge position as vacant, with visiting judges handling proceedings.

Those mourning Lisznyai are remembering not only her professional accomplishments but also the personal relationships she built throughout her life. Her obituary describes a woman whose life included family, marriage, legal service, and a long commitment to her community.

News of her passing has prompted condolences from local officials, attorneys, and others who worked with her throughout her years in the Hillsdale County justice system. Her absence will be felt particularly within the courthouse, where she spent years carrying out the responsibilities of a judge.

Sara Lisznyai’s death marks the loss of a prominent Hillsdale County public servant at a time when her continued presence on the bench had been expected. While her judicial career has come to an end, the impact of her work with defendants, treatment-court participants, attorneys, colleagues, and residents will remain part of Hillsdale County’s legal history.

As family, friends, and members of the community remember Judge Lisznyai, attention now turns to honoring the life she lived and the service she provided. Her career reflected a commitment to justice while recognizing the importance of rehabilitation, leaving a meaningful legacy in the community she served.