Mildred N. “Millie” Barkley, 88, of 5274 County Route 24, Pierrepont, died Friday, April 22, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born April 2, 1923 in Pyrites, daughter of Maurice and Gaynell Crary, she attended DeKalb Junction School. While working, “Millie” was employed as a home health aide.
On October 2, 1939, she was married to John Raycraft at her sister Leona Capalario’s house in Canton by Eugene Anthony. John served in the Army during World War II, serving in Japan from 1944-46. He worked for J&L Steel in Star Lake for 27 years until his death, August 5, 1971.
She later was married to Howard Barkley of Ogdensburg, on July 23, 1977 at St. Mary’s Church in Canton by Rev. G. Billmeyer. Howard was a World War II veteran serving in Panama. He died July 23, 1993.
Mildred was a member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxillary and the Community Club for years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and attended the Free Association Church in Pierrepont.
She bought the home of her grandparents, Robert and Millie Crary, the home she lived in as a child. She was a homemaker and gardener, canning 1,000 jars a year. She also raised beef and chickens at one time.
Surviving are a son, John Capalario; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, George, Ralph and Kenneth; and three sisters, Gaynell Rawley, Thelma Seifredsberger and Irene Timm. She will also be remembered by JoAnn Coffey and the late Joey Capalario whom she was a second mother to.
She was predeceased by her son, Donald Raycraft (March 2010); her step-mother, Jennie Crary (March 2004); three brothers, Lyle, Lawrence and Lloyd and two sisters, Veleta Cuthburt and Leona Capalario.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 p. m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Revs. John and Donna Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Plains Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Pierrepont Fire Department, 62 Old County Road, Canton, NY 13617; the Colton Rescue Squad, PO Box 304, Colton, NY 13625; or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.
Condolences may be sent online to www.lawrencefuneralhome.org
