Elizabeth "Betty" Louise (Neiswender) Hagstette

Asheville - Following months of declining health, Elizabeth Louise Hagstette, age 92, left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 15. In her final days she was surrounded by many loved ones, family and friends.

Elizabeth was born in South Bend, Indiana on March 26, 1924, the daughter of Alice and Marland Neiswender. She attended Hillsdale College in Michigan before leaving to join the thousands who served in WW II, Elizabeth as a civilian secretary to a Naval Commander in the Navy Department in Washington DC. It was there she met her future husband, Louis, a Lt Commander serving in DC.

After marrying in 1946, they settled in Louis' home of New Orleans where they lived until his death in 1977. They had two children, Susan, who was with her as she passed, and a son Daniel, who predeceased her.

Elizabeth was a charming and gracious lady, always the hostess and life of the party. With a beautiful and classically trained Soprano voice, she sang professionally with the New Orleans opera, even having the priceless opportunity to have her daughter at age 10 with her on stage in the classic opera "Carmen". Elizabeth spent the last 30 years in the Asheville area, loving her beautiful mountains and its laid back lifestyle.

She had a deep faith and was helpful to so many seeking her wisdom and loving guidance as they faced challenges in their lives. Even in her final days she was sought out for that caring wisdom. She is survived by her daughter, Susan (John) from Alpharetta, GA; two grandsons, John (Dana) and Tim; and one great grandson, Louis, along with many nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Mission Hospital; the Keever Memorial Hospice Center for their care and compassion in the final days; and especially to the staff and dear ones at Brookdale Asheville Overlook where Elizabeth lived for the last several months of her life, with them becoming her extended family where her presence will have a lasting effect on the wonderful staff and special friends she grew to love unconditionally. Lastly, a most heartfelt thanks to her "adopted kids", J&L and S&S, who cared for Elizabeth for the last several years when her daughter was absent; buying and delivering groceries, running errands, handling fix-it projects, keeping hospital vigils and much more. She loved them like they were her own.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth and the family would appreciate donations to a faith based charity or other one of personal choice.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Legacy.com

02/10/2024 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/citizen-times/name/elizabeth-hagstette-obituary?id=16704894