Barbara was born on June 16, 1939 in Levittown, New York, the daughter of Charles and Lillian (Johnson) Fredericks.
She is survived by her daughter, Debra Heim and husband Roger Heim of Schenevus NY; her son, Hernan Rodriguez Jr and his wife Tempie Rodriguez of Arcadia Indiana; her step daughter, Jessie Thorsland of Maryland NY; her brother, Stanley Fredericks and Connie of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Bruce Fredericks and his wife Denise Fredericks of Manahawkin, New Jersey; grandchildren, Mikaela Ost, Danielle Ost, Kacie Ost, Hernan Rodriguez III; Curtis Rodriguez and Billy Miskell, Martin Thorsland; and other family members, George Ost and Jolene Galbreath, Julie Smith and her very best friends Juanita Condon and Ann Casio. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Hernan Rodriguez Sr; her sister, Rose Demott; brothers, Charles, Ed, John and Richie; and her parents, Lillian and Charles Fredericks.
Barbara spent most of her career employed at SUNY Oneonta where she was a cook and a cashier. She loved her job, her coworkers, and engaging with the students on a daily basis. One of her biggest
passions was dancing. She was nicknamed “The Dancing Queen”. She could be found at the casino on Wednesdays with Ann and Fawn dancing the afternoon away while, of course, trying to beat the odds on her favorite slot machines. She also loved to go out on the weekend wherever there was live music, especially Scattered Flurries (known to her as “The Flurries"), and if you were sitting down she would be sure to grab your hand and lead you to the dance floor. She could also be found at Ommegang on Sunday mornings playing brunch bingo with her favorite caller Carie and favorite bartender Dan. Barb loved to go cruising. She would proudly tell you she had at least 17 cruises under her belt and she was lucky enough to go on cruises this past year, and you can bet she danced her heart out each and every day. Another one of the activities that brought Barb great joy was visiting the Gathering Place of Oneonta with her friend Darlene. They would engage in work out exercises, dancing, playing games and just visiting with other seniors. It was a place where she could talk and enjoy time with other seniors. She will be greatly missed by Susan, the director and all of the members that she had spent time with there.
Barbara’s biggest passion was the love for her family and friends. She loved nothing more than being with everyone and having a party, dancing and playing various games. Her love for her grandchildren was like no other. She would brag about their accomplishments and you could see the pride radiate from the core of her being. She had a huge heart and would give you the shirt off of her back if you asked for it. She had a true love for humanity and would help anyone and everyone she met. Her bright smile and compassionate ways drew people to her and before you knew it she always had new friends. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday July 2, 2024 from 4-6pm at Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta, New York 13820. A funeral service will follow at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to The Gathering Place of Oneonta, 5506 NY-7, Oneonta NY 13820.
Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence for the family.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY.
DONACIONES
The Gathering Place5506 NY- 7, Oneonta, New York 13820
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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