Marilee A. Fredrickson

Marilee A. Fredrickson

September 10, 1958 – February 16, 2022

Marilee is survived by her loving parents, Leonard and JoAnne Nickerson; her three sisters and their families; her two children and their families, Ashley, Marc, Vivienne and Gemma DuBois; John Fredrickson, Jeff Formanek and Leon Fredrickson-Formanek.

VISITATION: Friday, February 25^th from 12noon to 1pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by SERVICES at 1pm.  Memorials are suggested to FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, www.facingourrisk.org.).

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Marilee was born on September 10, 1958, in Kearney, Nebraska to Leonard and JoAnne Nickerson.  One of four daughters, Marilee remained close to her beloved sisters, Cory, Kelcy, and Lendy, until the very end.  She graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School and attended Southeast Community College.  Always a jack of all trades, Marilee held many professional titles, including Dental Assistant, Treasurer, and Medical Biller.  But Marilee’s most important roles on this earth were being a mother and grandmother, both of which she was born to do and truly excelled at.  She married Allen in 1981 and gave birth to her two children, Ashley and John, in 1986 and 1987, respectively.  Marilee became a grandmother “Grammy” three times in 2016, 2017, and 2019.  Vivienne, Gemma, and Leon were the loves of her life.

Marilee loved cooking meals for her family, spending time with her grandbabies, and spreading love wherever she went.  She was a go-getter, never deterred by a challenge.  Marilee would often proclaim “Smack! Bam! Boom!” out loud after accomplishing things many thought she would not.  She had a strong affinity for all things Delta Airlines, which on the surface confused many, however it was Delta that enabled her to spend time with her family, something that brought her joy beyond words.  Marilee had an excellent sense of humor, often giving her opinion to her children without apology, yet never dismissing their viewpoints.  She showered them with love and unwavering support, and cared so deeply for her grandbabies, who she affectionately called “Vivi-boo”, “Gummy”, and “Little Li Li”.

Marilee was a bright light who touched everyone she came in contact with. Her smile could light up a room, and she would make friends no matter where she went, be it her weekly trip to Chico’s or the NYC subway.  Her home always had an open door, welcoming anyone and everyone in for reunions, celebrations, dinners, and martinis.  Ever the optimist, her faith in God kept her grounded and steadfast in some of the darkest of times. She had huge amounts of pride in her family, and her joyful spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren.

Marilee is survived by her loving parents, Leonard and JoAnne Nickerson; three sisters: Cory Reed, Kelcy Sass, Lendy Kesler and their families; two children and their families, Ashley, Marc, Vivienne and Gemma DuBois; John Fredrickson, Jeff Formanek and Leon Fredrickson-Formanek.  

Those who wish to remember Marilee in a special way may send a contribution in lieu of flowers to FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, 16057 Tampa Palms Blvd. W, PMB #373, Tampa, Florida, Tax ID 65- 0927702).