Coletta M. Haliscak, 88 of California, MD died peacefully on February 27, 2012 at St. Mary's Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Maryland. Born January 29, 1924, in Jamestown, New York, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Marie (LaForce) Van de Water.

Coletta served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1946. She enjoyed reading bowling, accordion, violin, and needlepoint. The strength of volunteering did not stop when Coletta left the Marine Corps, she volunteered for the American Red Cross. She was also a member of the Women Marines Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Coletta was a member of the American Legion for 65 years. She was a charter member of the American Legion in Frewsburg, NY and a member of American Legion Post 274 in Lusby, MD. After settling in St. Mary's County, she was actively involved in local politics as a member of the Republican Women of St. Mary's. She also served as a volunteer election judge.

Coletta is survived by her husband Capt. George Haliscak (USMC Ret) of California, MD; her sons Col. George W. Haliscak (USMCR Ret.) (Deborah) of Horsehead, NY, LTC Jonathan P. Haliscak (US Army Reserve) (June) of Devine, TX, CW05 Charles C. Haliscak (USMCR Ret) (Amy) of Chaptico, MD and (Former Capt. USAF) Ian L. Haliscak (Marilyn) of LaVernia, TX. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; Cody (Cpl. USMC), Steven, Nicholas, Teddi, Hunter, Brandi, Brooke and Lorin Haliscak. Coletta is also survived by her brother William Van de Water of Tonawanda, NY. She is survived by four nephews; William, James, John and Thomas Van de Water.

The family will receive friends for Coletta's Life Celebration on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m.

Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.