Cherry Lynne Zielaskowski (Dr. Ski) peacefully passed on November 17, 2021 at 74 years. She is preceded in death by her father, Orville W. Zielaskowski, her mother, Alvira R. Berg, her sister, Faith A. Zielaskowski (Lee), her 1st husband, Frank N. Fredrickson, and 2nd husband James H. Burdine, her grandson, Dakota Eric Chesney, and granddaughter, Makenzie Breanne Fredrickson. Cherry is survived by her daughter, Tracy A. Chesney and son-in-law, David E. Chesney of Queen Creek, AZ; her son, Frank D. Fredrickson and daughter-in-law Cari Fredrickson of Grants Pass, OR; her son, Patrick O. Fredrickson and daughter-in-law, Gabriella Bova-Fredrickson of Beverly Hills, CA; her daughter, Maryt L. Fredrickson of Jackson Hole, WY; her grandchildren, Christine P. Chesney; and Sterling Fredrickson; her half-brother, Michael P. Zielaskowski; and her step-mother, Louise Zielaskowski.
Born April 8, 1947 in Melbourne, Florida, Cherry would eventually live in Corvallis, OR. She married Frank N. Fredrickson in 1967, while attending Oregon State University where she studied Professional Teacher Education. Cherry gave birth to Tracy A. while living in Corvallis, OR. Frank’s military career took Cherry to Edward’s Air Force Base, CA, where Frank D. was born. While in California, Cherry served as a National American Red Cross Emergency Trainer. She also served as the Family Services Emergency Chairman at both Edwards Air Force Base, CA and Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH. In this role, Cherry assisted families with life/death issues both on base and Vietnam War injury/death issues. Patrick O. was born while she lived at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH. The next military transfer took the family to Patrick’s Air Force Base, FL. Cherry continued to serve as a National American Red Cross Emergency Trainer, in addition to being a Girl Scout Leader. Her fourth child, Maryt L. was born in Melbourne, FL.
In 1978, the next military transfer took the family to Dale City, VA. At that time, Cherry got very ill and spent 3-months in Walter Reed Hospital where she was eventually diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In 1985, she graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education, with additional studies in Bilingual and Technology Education. The final military transfer, in 1985, took the family to Albuquerque, NM. Cherry started teaching as a Math/Science/History/Language Arts & Technology teacher at Washington Middle School. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1987 and won the battle with cancer. In 1990, Cherry graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Master of Science in Science/Multilingual Education/Administration with a focus on Technology and Multilingual Integration. From 1989 – 1993, she served as the Technology Consultant on the New Mexico Education Technology Board where she assisted in the design and instructional use of technology labs in the Public and Reservation schools. In 1993, Cherry earned a PhD from Westbrook University. Her dissertation focused on the break down of family connections and instituting intergenerational programs. She retired from teaching for Albuquerque Public Schools in 2008. She went on to start a consulting business, implement an Intergeneration Program at Fred Luna Senior Center in Los Lunas, NM, and volunteer as a tutor.
In 2016, Tracy A. brought Cherry to Queen Creek, AZ and she was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. We would like to express our profound gratitude to A Caring Manor 1. The owner and caregivers of A Caring Manor 1 were our angels in disguise when we needed them most. Their love and compassion with Cherry were a blessing every day and helped Cherry experience an environment of care and support in the final years of her life.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home in Queen Creek, AZ.
In memory of her wisdom, service to others, and gift of teaching, please consider an expression in Cherry’s memory with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
