Animal Lover

MAGGIE VALLEY — Kathryn “Kass” Swartz Altpater, 83, passed away Sunday, Dec. 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 World War II; 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 ...