Cherie T. Zietz

Rhinebeck – Cherie T. Zietz, 62, a longtime resident of Rhinebeck, passed away at home peacefully with her daughter by her side on March 25, 2025.

Born in Passaic, NJ on September 9, 1962 she was the daughter of Elliot and Theresa (Ruggiero) Michel.

Cherie was a lively soul in her youth, a rambunctious rock and roller with a knack for mischief and a kind and giving heart. She frequented the Rhinebeck Tavern where she would meet the love of her life and future husband, Terry. They would go on to have two children, something she considered her greatest accomplishment in life. 

For twenty years Cherie was the receptionist at the Astor home in Rhinebeck. There she made lasting friendships and memories that she cherished. She had a notorious sweet tooth and was known for always having a bag of twizzlers with her for people to stop by and steal one. Her love for pranks was well known and especially well tolerated by her amazing boss. 

In her younger days you could catch her reading a book while sunbathing by the pool or tending to her beautiful flower garden. As she got older she enjoyed playing games like yahtzee or backgammon and snuggling up with her beloved kitty cats. She loved giving gifts, always wanting to put a smile on people's faces. Her biggest joy in life was spending time with her daughter, her son and daughter in law and her beautiful grandbabies. 

Cherie was predeceased by her husband John “Terry” Zietz on February 22, 2015 and her favorite fur baby, her handsome boy Gomez.

She is survived by her children, Kristen Zietz and John T. Zietz Jr. his wife Jordan Zietz and their sons Theodore and Ian as well as her sister Susan Jochum and brother Elliot Michel as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Memorial Hours for Cherie will be held at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY on Thursday April 3, 2025 from 1 PM to 3 PM. A Memorial Service will begin at 3 PM.

In honor of Cherie's favorite color, the family requests that everyone wear Purple. 

Memorial Donations in honor of Cherie can be made to Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, PO Box 515, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, to help cover the cost of the service. 

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