Cherie Ann Schriedel

Cherie Ann (Polkinghorne) Schriedel Cherie Ann Schriedel, age 88, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Cherie was born on January 24, 1938, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Douglas Bennett Polkinghorne and Lois Antoinette (Campbell) Polkinghorne. She spent her childhood growing up in Redford and Detroit, where she developed the values of faith, family, hard work, and kindness that would guide her throughout her life. On November 23, 1957, she married the love of her life, Richard William Schriedel. Together they shared nearly 46 wonderful years of marriage until Richard’s passing on October 30, 2003. Together they built a loving home and raised five children, creating a legacy that continues through their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cherie devoted herself first and foremost to her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and delighted great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was simply being surrounded by the people she loved. Holidays were among her favorite times of the year, especially when the entire family gathered together with her sister Joan’s family to celebrate, laugh, and make lasting memories. After moving from Detroit to Sterling Heights in December 1974, Cherie worked for 14 years in the Cash Office at Sears at Lakeside Mall. She enjoyed her work and the friendships she made there while continuing to make her family her greatest priority. Cherie had a remarkable gift for creativity. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, ceramics, and tole painting, and there always seemed to be a project in progress. One of her greatest joys was sharing that creativity with her daughters. She happily used the money she earned from her job to pay for weekly ceramics classes, where they spent evenings together creating keepsakes that filled their homes and, even more importantly, memories that would last a lifetime. During the summer months, she lovingly cared for her flowers each day, finding joy in watching them bloom. She gave generously of her time to others. She was actively involved in the PTA, served as both a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and faithfully volunteered with the funeral luncheon ministry at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. Whether helping a child, comforting a grieving family, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, Cherie quietly lived a life of service. Anyone who knew Cherie also knew of her deep love for animals. Throughout the years she welcomed many beloved pets into her home, especially her cherished dogs Maddie, Megan, Casey, Molly, Corky, and Pepi, her cat Andora, and more birds than anyone could possibly count. Caring for them brought her tremendous happiness. Even during her final illness, Cherie’s gentle and encouraging spirit never faded. She continued to offer smiles and words of encouragement to fellow patients and caregivers, reflecting the kindness that had defined her entire life. Her family is especially grateful that they were able to bring her home, where she spent her final days surrounded by love, comfort, and peace. Cherie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard William Schriedel; her parents, Douglas Bennett and Lois Antoinette Polkinghorne; her sister, Joan Youngblood; her brother-in-law, James Youngblood; and her son-in-law, Champ Ward. She is survived by her children: Stephen Schriedel; David (Jami) Schriedel; Michele Ward; Lisa (Steven) Skoczylas; and Kelly (Gerry) Dziesinski. She was the proud grandmother of Jason (Katie) Ward, Erin (Adam) Collins, Daniel Schriedel, Katie (Alex) Koscielski, Sarah Schriedel, Kyle Dziesinski, Scot (Michaela) Skoczylas, and Adam Schriedel; and the loving great-grandmother of Logan Erickson-Ward and Brendan Ward. She is also survived by her brother, Douglas (Faye) Polkinghorne; her sister, Joanne (Rick) Siekas; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cherie’s life during visitation on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Macomb or Heart to Heart Hospice of Chesterfield Township. Those who knew Cherie know that love has a way of leaving gentle reminders. For her family, those reminders often came in the form of a squirrel—a cherished symbol that always brought thoughts of Richard and a smile to their faces. It seemed only fitting that, as hospice arrived at Cherie’s home, a squirrel quietly waited outside the front door, reminding those who loved her that she would not make her final journey alone. Cherie’s family finds comfort in knowing that the love she shared throughout her life continues in each of them. Her kindness, generosity, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family will remain an enduring legacy for generations to come.

Cherie Ann Schriedel

January 24, 1938 - July 23, 2026