Denise Liliane Losey

Denise Liliane Schmitt Losey of Pioneer Road, Emporium PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19th.  She was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, France on the 30th of June 1930 to Francois Paul and Irma Marie Burr Schmitt.  Her life in France was idyllic until WWII when she experienced nightly air raids and evacuations during the Nazi invasion.  During her teenage years the occupation required she change her nationality from French to German, then back to French after the allied victory.  She was fluent in French, German and English which garnered her work as an interpreter for the US Army and the American Graves Registration Command in Paris before she emigrated to the US at the age of 18.

After coming to Emporium, she was employed by Sylvania starting in the secretary pool until being noticed for her translating skills.  She met a young draftsman, Harold Losey while at Sylvania and in 2023 they celebrated 70 years of marriage.  He preceded her in death by 6 days, a testament to their devotion to each other.

Her fashion sense and outgoing personality were an asset when she worked retail at Sylvia’s for many years.  She was also generous with her time volunteering as Cub Scout den mother, Mistress of Ceremonies for the Parade of Stars and as a performer, election poll worker for the East Ward district, tutor of French, and volunteer at many professional golf tournaments on the east coast.  A consummate homemaker, she cooked with a French flair and was known to her card group for making the best cream puffs. She was adventurous, loved the outdoors, music, dancing – was a member of the North Country Cloggers, theater, traveling the world with her husband and friends, golfing, skiing, bicycling, and her time at the beach in South Carolina. But she especially valued her many trips to her beloved Alsace to show family and friends her childhood homeland. She remained stylish even into her 90’s, wearing jewelry and lipstick, heels and a turned-up collar to most every function.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold just one week ago, by her parents and all cousins.   She is survived by daughter, Cora Badagliacca (Mario), son, Harold Losey Jr (Kristen), grandchildren, Dena Aalto, Emma Losey and Lilly Losey, and great granddaughter Alexandra Aalto.

The family would like to give special thanks to Harold’s niece, Aletha Schauer, whose kind demeaner and constant attention was a great source of comfort to both Denise and Harold during their final days.

There will be no services per her wishes.

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