Obituary of Fredrica Barkley

WATERTOWN – Fredrica “Riki” Barkley, 66, passed away on Thursday evening, June 13, 2019, at her home.

Fredrica was born on April 17, 1953 in Carthage, NY, a daughter to James F. and Arvilla (Schloeder) Blackwell. Riki graduated from Carthage Central School and went on to work at Northland Electric in Watertown for over 30 years.  After the closing of Northland Electric, Riki obtained her LPN through Jefferson/Lewis BOCES.  She worked for Jefferson County Public Health as well as doing private duty. She also coached high school tennis at Immaculate Heart Central School and had private tennis students. Recently, Riki worked for Family Care Home Program, providing supportive living to persons being reintroduced into the community after inpatient mental health hospitalization.

Riki served as a deacon at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Watertown.  Her faith in Jesus sustained her during the good and difficult times.  She and her companion, Katherine Barkley, had a commitment ceremony at Emmanuel Congregational Church in June of 2006 to vow their love for each other in the sight of their God and with the blessing of their Church. They were legally married on July 27, 2011, after NYS legalized same-sex marriage. Kathy passed away on February 3, 2016.

Riki was an avid Yankees baseball and Syracuse Orange basketball fan.  She religiously followed both men’s and women’s professional tennis. Riki was skilled at the art of wood burning, making decorative pieces for friends and family. She also took pride in making sure the lawns around her home were well-groomed. She enjoyed feeding the birds and watching them, as well as spending time with her beloved dachshunds.

Riki is survived by her father, James Blackwell, Carthage, NY; her siblings, Leonard Blackwell, Durham, NC; James M. Blackwell, Wendell, NC; Carl Blackwell, Pugwash Nova Scotia, Canada; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She is predeceased by her mother, Arvilla Lafountain, and a sister, Tricia Lafountain.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage, NY 13619 with Rev. Jane Wagner officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

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