Kathryn Altpater

Maggie Valley, Kathryn "Kass" Swartz Altpater, age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at her residence with her caregiver, Alice Miller by her side. Kass was born July 2, 1929, in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Louis and Lillian Swartz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton L. Altpater, a veteran of WWII; and a sister, Louise Swartz Wolfe. Kass was a bookkeeper for steel companies, both in Pennsylvania and Florida until her retirement. She and her husband enjoyed living in Florida before moving to Maggie Valley in 2000. Kass volunteered for many years at Haywood Animal Welfare Association's Thrift Shop. She was a lover of dogs and loved giving her time to help when she could. She also enjoyed clogging and took lessons from Burton Edwards and could be seen at The Stomping Grounds on many occasions. Kass was an avid professional football fan and could tell you the names of most of the quarterbacks. She also did a lot of handicrafts, making 200 "Snoopy Dogs" for her Christmas tree and enjoyed sharing many delicious candies she made with her neighbors at Christmas. Her dry wit and caring ways made Kass a very special person. She will be missed by many friends and relatives in Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina. She is survived by a brother, Perry Swartz, of Pennsylvania; four nieces; two nephews, and her beloved dogs, Missy and KC. No services are scheduled. Memorials may be made to Sarge's Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 854, Waynesville, NC 28786.