Susan M.

Frederick

Susan M. Frederick, 62, passed away on November 10, 2026, in her home in Rockford, Illinois. Born on August 12, 1964, in Canby, Minnesota, Sue was the daughter of Walter and Edna (Rawlings) Dierks.

A 1982 graduate of Auburn High School, Sue went on to earn an associate degree from Rock Valley Community College and married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Tom Frederick. Together, they raised two sons. Much of her time was spent at Roy Gayle baseball fields or enjoying boating up north at their lake camp property.

Her friendships were friendships for life, with Michelle and Kathy always being on call to help cover the evidence of their mischief.

Sue spent 35 years at Advance Machine & Engineering, most recently serving as their Production Coordinator. She loved working with “her guys” in an environment where her sarcastic humor was embraced.

She loved being a mother and was happiest when the house was full. Whether it was family, friends, teammates, or a steady stream of her boys’ friends, there always seemed to be room for one more around Sue’s table.

Nothing made Sue prouder than watching her sons grow into successful men. That pride grew even further with the arrival of her granddaughter, who brought a new source of joy, creativity, and plenty of opportunities for photos and craft projects.

Family life was at the heart of Sue’s story. She enjoyed traveling throughout her life, including childhood trips to England to visit family and, later, annual visits to Minnesota to visit family.

Known as an excellent cook, family and friends knew they would never leave Sue’s house hungry. Examples of her cooking included her delicious chili, so much so that one son admits he can barely eat chili anymore after growing up on it. Her coffee cakes were equally appreciated. Many family gatherings, holidays, and visits naturally found their way to her table.

Over the years, Sue especially cherished the summer family reunions, which gave her the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones who lived far away. She also loved spending the holidays with her sons, her cousin Janel, who had long since become more like a sister than a relative, and Janel’s family. Whether gathered around a holiday table or enjoying a night of games, it was the laughter shared and the memories made that meant the most to Sue. While game nights included wagers, Sue firmly believed no bet should ever exceed a dollar, often insisting that her niece Barbara would end up with the money anyway!

Sue also enjoyed scrapbooking and arts and crafts, though she may be remembered just as much for the countless photographs she took over the years. She loved preserving memories and documenting the people and moments that mattered to her.

Sue will be remembered for her quick wit, her welcoming home, and her ability to bring people together. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures; a crowded house, a shared meal, a family gathering, and the everyday moments that became lifelong memories. Her presence will be missed, but the traditions, stories, and connections she helped create will continue to bring her family together for years to come.

She will be missed by those who loved her most: her sons, Michael (Kathryn) and Benjamin (Sidney); her granddaughter, Audrey; her brother, Steven (Helen) Dierks, and their sons, Tony and Andrew; as well as her aunt, Lisette (Ernesto Rodriguez) Fonder.

She was predeceased by her parents and grandparents; her sons’ father, Tom Frederick; and her aunt, Elizabeth Spencer.

A time to gather in honor of Sue will take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Illinois 61103, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief remembrance service consisting of family reflections, music, and prayer.

If memorials are to be made, please consider sending them to the family to be used for a memorial to accompany the scattering of ashes at the send-off Sue requested.

To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.