Altoona - Lieselotte Schwarz McKissick, age 100, formerly of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully July 1, 2025.

Born Jan. 8, 1925, in Bremen, Germany, Lieselotte's life was a century-long testament to compassion, creativity and family.

After immigrating to Canada and then to the United States, she pursued a career in nursing, offering comfort and care with unwavering dedication to all her patients.

In November 2023, Lieselotte survived a devastating house fire that destroyed her beloved home and her pet, "Quincy." After losing her home, she moved to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where she lived the rest of her life with her granddaughter and granddaughter's husband.

Lieselotte was a loving and beloved wife of Aloys Schwarz for nearly five decades. Together, Lieselotte and Aloys created a family.

After Aloys passed, she found love and support in her later years as the devoted wife of James McKissick.

Lieselotte was a devoted mother to Ralph and Gordon. As grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, she was the heart of five generations, nurturing her family with deep affection, timeless wisdom and was referred to by all as "Sweetheart."

Beyond her professional life and family, Lieselotte embraced every opportunity over the years to bring joy into the lives of others. She was active in the Snappy Dragons Garden Club, winning many blue ribbons for her flower arrangements. She also appeared in an issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, featuring the stunning European-style garden she designed outside her home.

Lieselotte often shared her love of the German culture, from the store she owned featuring German products to singing with the Apollo Maenerchor, where her voice and spirit lit up every gathering as part of the "Gemischterchor." Previously, Lieselotte also held the office of president of her local chapter of AARP.

Lieselotte's artistic and literary talents brought beauty and warmth into her home and the communities she lived in. At the age of 95, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author with her moving memoir, "My Life in World War II." Her beautiful paintings appeared in the Hoyt Gallery.

Her creativity and love of travel was matched only by her strength, generosity, and zest for life. She was especially passionate about hosting during the holidays. Each Christmas, she transformed her home into a beautiful and festive wonderland to welcome guests with cheer and warmth.

Lieselotte's legacy is one of elegance, generosity, love, and joyful hospitality.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Aloys Schwarz and James McKissick; her sons, Ralph and Gordon; and granddaughter Krista.

Lieselotte is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who carry forward her spirit and traditions.

A Celebration of her life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20, in New Wilmington at Borough Park, 435 S. New Castle Road, New Wilmington PA. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude's, honoring Lieselotte's lifelong devotion to healing, family, and the arts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Hill Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 118 Rosehill Cemetery Drive, Altoona, PA 16602.

Condolences may be made at RoseHillFuneralCare.com.