Frieda Saddlemire

Knox - Frieda Saddlemire, 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. Born in 1915 to Andrew and Julia Schultz in Brooklyn, NY and raised in the Gallupville area. Frieda graduated from Oneonta State Teachers College where she earned a B.S. in education. She went on to receive masters degrees in Reading from Oneonta State and a Library Science degree from SUNY Albany. She was a distinguished and beloved kindergarten teacher at the Berne Knox Central schools for over 35 years. She began teaching in a one room school house in the Rotterdam area. Frieda was recognized on a national level winning the Leaders of Elementary Education award. Frieda was an avid reader and the Town of Berne librarian for over 26 years. In addition she served as the Town of Knox historian for over 38 years. She was a lover of history and thoroughly enjoyed researching genealogy and helping people to discover their heritage. She was a distinguished Cub Scout leader for many years and was ultimately awarded with the organizations highest honor, the Silver Fawn. She was an fervent lover of nature and spent hundreds of hours in her garden and shared her enthusiasm with all who knew her. Frieda donated countless hours to the Helderberg Workshop where she served as a teacher and Discoverland chairwoman. She was a cherished board member who was loved and respected by all who worked with her. Always curious she traveled around the world in her retirement years. Frieda was known for her generosity which was demonstrated by her gracious donation of land for the Helderberg Ambulance Squad in Knox. She was the mother of five sons, Austin (Laura), Andrew (Georgene), Alan (Jeanette), Alec (Eileen) and COL. Alden (Kathe). She also had a special motherly bond to Dr. Gary Kolanchick whom she loved as her sixth son. She was the grandmother of ten, Sarah, Rachel, Austin, Adrianne, Jennifer, Katherine, James, Anna, Jennifer, Christopher and the great grandmother of five. Frieda was predeceased by her husband Austin Saddlemire, four brothers Fredrick, Rudolph, Otto and George and two sisters Natalie and Martha. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Knox Reformed Church. Friends may call Friday, April 2, 2010 from 4 PM to 7:30 PM at the Fredendall Funeral Home, Altamont. Donations may be made in her name to The Helderberg Workshop, PO Box 323, Voorheesville, NY 12186-0323.