It is with great sadness that the family of Kathleen Zelker-Friebel announce her passing at the age of 82 on Friday, April 10, 2026, with her final Irish goodbye at the Carolina Media Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Born on July 18, 1943, in Albany, New York. She was the daughter of the late George Lambert and Theresa (Redfield) Ertel.

Kathleen worked as a beautician from the 60’s to mid-70’s then transitioned into healthcare administration where she worked 17 years for CHP, Kaiser Permanente and retired from Community Care Physicians-Clifton Park, New York.

Kathleen loved her morning crossword puzzles and coffee with Bella the family German Shepherd, reading magazines with her favorite being People as well as any book based in Ireland and ending her day enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the lake. She loved to travel and spend winters in Florida with family and friends.

Kathleen will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was kindhearted and taught many “to rise above”. She was the organized foundation of the family spending many hours a week “doing paperwork” and organizing everything with containers, bags, sticky notes and lists.

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J Zelker of 38 years, her second husband Dennis Freibel, her sister Margaret Jackson, nephew Robert (Bo) Oddy Jr and great nephew Orville (Robby) Jackson.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter Kelly K. Zelker of Pageland, SC and son Shane G. Zelker (Andrea) of Lilesville, NC. Sisters, Donna (Paul) Demarco and Georgianna-Peachy (Robert) Oddy, grandchildren, Shauna (Jeremy) Mendrick, Zachary Zelker and Ashley (Cristopher) Burgos. Great-grandchildren, Shiloh and Jadon Mendrick and many nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service was held at the William J Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes on April 27, 2026, and burial followed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Special message: Mom, thank you for always loving us and sharing your wisdom; teaching, guiding, supporting and providing us with advice that is instrumental in forming the people we are today. We will forever be grateful to have had you as our mother. Until we meet again, rest peacefully in heaven.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com