Bessie Schweitzer, 91, formerly of Nazareth, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Gracedale Nursing Home, Nazareth. She was the wife of the late Gilbert Schweitzer who died in February, 2006. Born December 26, 1924 in Nazareth, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Annie (Fritz) Schaadt.

Bessie graduated from Nazareth High School. She worked as a sewing machine operator at Pioneer Sportswear for 26 years. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo, and loved to go camping.

Bessie is survived by her son, Barry Schweitzer and his wife Sandra, of Bangor, and her daughter, Gloria Zucal and her husband John, of Kansas. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mabel Gilio. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a grandson, Jeffrey Pettis; 4 sisters, Clara Johnson, Sadie Heffentrayer, Grace Zellner, and Margaret Boyer; and 3 brothers, Paul, William, and James Schaadt.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening, September 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on Friday morning, September 30, from 10 to11:00 a.m., in the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere Street, Nazareth. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Albert Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Hecktown.