Cynthia Dole Redeker

Cynthia Dole Redeker, 76, of 157 Peckville Road, Shelburne died Friday, December 8th, 2017 after a brief but courageous battle with colon cancer. She died peacefully at home with her family. She was born on December 18, 1940 in Greenfield, MA, the youngest daughter of Fred and Hazel Dole.  She married Jerry L. Redeker of Iowa on May 16, 1964 at St. Joseph's Church, Buckland, MA. She leaves behind nine beloved children, including Sarah Bompastore of Shelburne, Dr. Mark Dole Redeker of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Karen Redeker Hicks and Robert Hicks Jr. of Shelburne, Elizabeth and Scott Conklin of Enfield, Connecticut, Paul and Tracy Redeker of Bernardston, Mary Phylinda Redeker of San Antonio, Texas, Fred Dole and Amie Redeker of Shelburne, Phylinda Redeker of Shelburne, John Redeker of Shelburne, and forever son-in-law, Joseph Bompastore of Greenfield.  She adored her nine grandchildren, including Mikayla Bompastore, Jackson and Gracie Hicks, Sumner and Liam Conklin, Alana and Kurt Redeker, and Andrew and Benjamin Redeker. She leaves a treasured sister, Mary Cromack, and brother-in-law, Ted Cromack, of Shelburne, Phyllis (Redeker) Dvorak of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, Jerry in 2009 and 3 sisters and brothers-in-law including Kathleen and Arvel Steece, Fredrica and Charles Canedy, and Sara Lu and Harold T. Plugge, Jr.

                She was raised on her parent’s Dole farm in Shelburne and graduated from Arms Academy in 1958. She received her Bachelors in Nursing at the University of Massachusetts in 1962 and went on to achieve her Masters in Nursing- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Syracuse University in 1980. She started her nursing career at the Visiting Nurse Association in Springfield, MA, where she met her future husband, Jerry. After marrying they returned to the Dole Farm in Shelburne in 1966 and began raising their family, assuming the running of the farm, including the pick-your-own Dole apple orchard. They felt it was important to strengthen family roots and support their aging parents.

                Her 48-year nursing career included working for various local pediatricians as a pediatric nurse practitioner including Dr. William Buchanan and Dr. Daniel Zinn whom she worked with for over 25 years. Her medical career was inspired by her great aunt, Dr. Mary Phylinda Dole, who was the first female physician in western Massachusetts.

                She loved music, especially watching her children perform in musical ensembles and musicals at Mohawk Trail High School. She looked forward to chaperoning many Mohawk Music Department trips.  She enjoyed performing herself, singing in her church choir at the First Congregational Church in Shelburne and local theater.  She enjoyed a good game of cards with her sisters, family, and friends. She made many great memories traveling with friends and family and always looked forward to the family’s annual trip to Ogunquit, Maine.

                She was committed to her family and passionate about being together: family vacations, get-togethers, holidays, cook outs, and special celebrations. She had a talent for baking, party planning, floral arranging, and had an eye for detail. Hosting parties at the Dole farm brought her great joy, always making sure that friends and relatives knew they were welcome on the Dole farm year-round.

                While raising nine children and after they were grown she remained generous with her time as an active member of Shelburne’s First Congregational Church, serving on the committee for the Second Saturday suppers and community meals. Making many friends through prayer groups and community service, people always knew she could be counted on to lend a hand. Known for being a strong woman, she showed great compassion and generosity to those in need, often bringing meals to those in the Shelburne community. She also served as the Treasurer for the East Shelburne Center Cemetery for many years.

                She and her husband, Jerry worked hard to instill in their children the value of "family comes first", the importance of education -putting all 9 children through college, a strong work ethic, self-advocacy, and generosity to others. She was a role model to many, especially her children with her unwavering commitment to her family, career, and community.

Calling hours will be Thursday, December 14th from 4-7pm at Smith Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church Street, Shelburne Falls. Funeral services are Friday, December 15th at the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, 22 Church Street/Route 2, Shelburne. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dole Music Fund at the First Congregational Church of Shelburne. 

Information at www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com

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