Frieda C. (Schmidt) Yarkey, formerly of Chicopee, MA, passed away at Loomis House in Holyoke on Monday October 2, 2017. Born on March 13, 1925, the daughter of Arthur and Helen Altenburg, Frieda was a longtime resident of Holyoke. She was predeceased by two husbands, Oswald A. Schmidt in 1970 and Frank S. Yarkey in 2011. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Mildred Bigelow and Anna Cardin. Frieda is survived by eight children and five step-children: Gretchen Phaneuf (Jeffrey), Gregory Schmidt (Gene), Christopher Schmidt (Deborah), Martha Connor (Kerry), Lisbeth Morrison (David), Kathy Felsentreger, Jennifer Martin (John), Lorelei Schmidt, Raymond Yarkey (Linda), Nancy Hunady (Dennis), Kenneth Yarkey (Sandra), Susan Flanagan (James), and Lin Yarkey. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. For many years, Frieda was an active communicant at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke, happily participating in the Women’s Guild, church suppers, Bible study, and singing in the choir. A church funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave, Holyoke, on Friday at 10:00am. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. A family and friends gathering will be held Friday at the church from 9:00 to 10:00am. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holyoke VNA & Hospice Life Care, 575 Beech St. Holyoke, MA 01040 or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040