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Charlotte (Brown) de Lissovoy, 91, peacefully passed away Sunday. She was born, along with her "wombmate" and beloved twin, Joan Cahow, in Altoona. The Brown twins enjoyed a childhood filled with family, homemade everything from scratch, loving parents and lifelong lessons as the country experienced the Great Depression and World War. These were the times that sparked a deep love of music and the quest for continued learning that would guide her life.
Charlotte became an accomplished pianist and organist and her beautiful voice carried her through Europe on multiple performances and tours with the Penn State Chapel Choir. She performed in some of the world's most revered venues, including Westminster Abbey and St. Giles Cathedral, while in England, Scotland, Germany, France and Italy. She belonged to and served as the organist and choir director for local churches in State College and Huntingdon. She was a devoted member of University Baptist and Brethren Church, serving on the Board of Missions and the Worship and Music Committee. She was also a Friend of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County.
With encouragement from her mentor, Dr. Luther Harshbarger, Penn State's chaplain, Charlotte -- while working as a full-time professional -- obtained her first master's degree in English Literature. Her second master's degree was in Slavic Languages and Cultures, which included transformative study in the Soviet Union. Years later, Charlotte and her beloved husband, Vladimir, the inspiration for Charlotte's desire to learn Russian, guided Penn State alumni tours of the Soviet Union, sharing her expertise and passion for Russian culture.
Charlotte's lifelong thirst for knowledge was shared with students as an English teacher in Huntingdon, and later as an Advanced Placement English teacher at State College Area High School. She piloted and taught the first Russian language program at State College Area High School. She helped Russian first graders read and new Russian immigrants learn English. She would always beam when former students would go out of their way to thank her for opening their world to literature, other cultures and new ways of thinking.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Charles M. Brown and Anna Jean Brown; her twin sister, Joan Brown Cahow; her husband, Dr. Vladimir de Lissovoy; and Linda de Lissovoy.
She is survived by her son, James E. Himes Jr. (Jennifer), and granddaughter, Katie Himes; Dr. Gregory de Lissovoy (Dr. Jean Mitchell) and sons, Michael and Ryan; and Geoffrey de Lissovoy (Mitsue Koike).
For over 20 years, Charlotte was a resident of Foxdale Village, having moved there with her husband, Vladimir. Charlotte's family extends sincere and deep gratitude to the entire Foxdale staff who provided such a positive and loving environment; and special thanks to Howard Palmer and his family for their friendship.
Charlotte and her beloved baby grand piano made beautiful music that served as the fabric of her life and a source of joy to everyone around her.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at Foxdale Village.
Memorial contributions in remembrance of Charlotte de Lissovoy can be made to Foxdale Village Employee Appreciation Fund, 500 E. Marylyn Ave., State College, PA 16801.