https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/brattleboro/name/frances-ziel-obituary?id=51790698
Frances moved to Tenakee Springs in 2000 and ran the Bakery for seven years. Almost as soon as she arrived, she became involved in the Tenakee Springs School. She volunteered and then became a member of the Tenakee Advisory School Board. As a member, she organized many enrichment events and activities. She spearheaded fundraising for the school by having the community save box tops, ran a fall carnival, made graduations special, was involved with the 21st Century grant teaching dance, and organized a variety show for students and community members. In 2016 Frances was elected to the Chatham School District’s Regional School Board. She was determined to solve Tenakee’s enrollment challenges, and to that end, she created the Tenakee Independent Learning Center (ILC).
Frances believed passionately that a school district must serve its students, and that education didn’t and shouldn’t always look the same. With characteristic tenacity, Frances researched, organized, and advocated for her novel public homeschool concept. She bulldozed through endless misgivings and rejection to make her education vision a reality. She won over the Tenakee families and the larger Chatham community.
Frances didn’t take no for an answer, and she worked tirelessly. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she would attend board meetings from post-op hospital beds, or after a month of radiation would climb the 114 stairs up to the ILC to work as the unpaid co-director of the program she built. The Tenakee ILC has grown into the Chatham Distance Program and serves students throughout the district and all over the state. It has provided Tenakee students with a stable education and employs several people in the small community.
Frances had a powerful will to live and approached her experience with cancer the way she approached most things – with perseverance and grace. Frances never wished to focus or dwell on the cancer she endured for over a decade, saying matter-of-factly that she simply lived with a chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure that just had to be managed. She did just that despite the challenges of living in such a remote location. Buoyed by the incredible support of her loved ones and her amazing team of doctors at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, over and over she chose life. Even when another person faced with chemotherapy, or another surgery might have chosen to let go, she always came home. Her bravery was remarkable.
This scholarship/award is for students and alumni of Chatham School District ages 16-30 to further their education or reach life goals. This money is for college, vocational/career technical education, certification, licenses, tools, books, art/music studies, art/music supplies, or business start-up expenses.
Following Frances’ example to support independent learning, we hope that you will choose to give to this endowment fund to help further educational and professional experiences in Tenakee Springs, Angoon, Gustavus, Klukwan, and students throughout Alaska who are part of the Chatham Distance program.
Our first financial goal is to raise a principal of at least $25,000 by the end of 2026. If we can do this, the memorial fund may become permanent. Grants will be awarded from the interest earned while retaining some interest to grow the principal. $25,000 is an ambitious goal, and we can achieve this first benchmark with generous contributions to this worthy cause.
To Donate
Donate by credit card using the link below or make your checks payable to: Juneau Community Foundation, 350 North Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau, Alaska 99801. Please call us at 907-523-5450, or email info@juneaucf.org for information on donating stock, wiring funds, establishing a Fund, gifting a portion of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, or naming the Juneau Community Foundation in your will as a designated beneficiary.
