Kathleen A. Zyskowski

Kathleen A. (Fries) Zyskowski, age 79, of Erie passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She was born in Erie on October 7, 1944 a daughter of the late Sylvester and Agnes (Froehlich) Fries.
Kathy emerged from the Job Training Program at the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center and went on to have a successful independent life which included jobs at Coin Laundry and Country Fair. Her generosity was expressed with her hand-crafted Christmas gifts and many other gifts which were initially purchased with the green stamps that she collected throughout the year. Smiles were brought to our face every time we saw a homeless person with one of her undeniable hand knitted hats. At one time, she had a mission to knit and donate over 100 color laced hats to Dr. Betty Kennedy's homeless group. The hats were well identified on the streets of Erie as "Kathy's original design".
Kathy and Dennis were very generous and enjoyed sponsoring the soda pop at the Barber National Institute Shillelagh Golf Tournament. They were blessed with Dr. Barber's love.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Fries, John Fries and a brother-in-law, Edward Przybyszewski.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dennis Zyskowski, her siblings, William Fries, wife Rose, Mary Przybyszewski, James Fries, Joseph Fries, wife Debra, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call at Sarah Reed Chapel, 227 West 22th St. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 12 noon until the time of a service at 1 p.m. Burial will be private in Calvary Cemetery. The Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, assisted with arrangements.
Kathy's family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Sarah Reed for the care and compassion they extended to Kathy and Dennis over the last several years.
The Barber National Institute was instrumental in giving Kathy and her husband Dennis a wonderful independent life. Due to this, the family asks that all donations in lieu of flowers be directed to the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507.
Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com