Dorothy Teresa Barnickel

Dorothy Teresa Barnickel, 91, of Springfield, VA, passed away on January 15, 2021 at Greenspring Village. Born July 13, 1929 in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Francis Rutkowski and the late Frances (Kluczynski) Rutkowski. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years John “Bill” Barnickel. She is survived by her son Gerard Barnickel of Charles Town WV; daughter Cynthia Eckbreth and her husband Walter of Alexandria VA; brother-in-law Joseph “Jack” Trageser of Westminster MD; sister-in-law Janet Rutkowski of Hagerstown MD; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Flo Trageser, brother Joseph Rutkowski, and daughter-in-law Nancy Barnickel.

Dot was a retired analyst from the Health Care Financing Administration now called the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the US Dept of Health & Human Services. She left us with many little treasures of herself to remain in our hearts so we never forget her. She enjoyed gardening, reading, kielbasa and chrusciki (just the way Mom Mom made them). She always had a ready smile, was quick-witted and at times, devilish. Like the time she released the baby carriage down the hill with her brother still in it…he survived. She could get you laughing until you couldn’t breathe (a change of clothing was always required). She was a very loving and giving mom; never asking or expecting anything in return. Mom can now polka with the angels!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be no public funeral service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.everlywheatley.com

Please consider a donation to the Greenspring Village Benevolent Care Fund (BCF). The BCF provides resources to residents of Greenspring who are facing unforeseen life circumstances without the financial resources upon which they can depend. Greenspring is a 501(c)(3) organization and gifts to the BCF are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Make the check payable to “Greenspring Village Benevolent Care Fund” and mail to Greenspring Village Philanthropy Office, 7410 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150. Please indicate in the memo section that the donation is in the memory of Dorothy Barnickel.

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