Riki Schaefer

Born to Louis and Hilda Freeman, Riki attended Ohio State University for training in the field of medical technology. As the only female in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Biology, she competed against pre-med students, all of whom were males who noticed her for more than one reason. She went on to Mt. Sinai Hospital as a Medical Technologist until the AIDS epidemic occurred when working with blood, it was believed, could have endangered the loves of her life - her children who produced the second loves of her life - her grandchildren.

Riki shared 55 years of marriage with David who survives her, along with her daughters, Lindsey (James) Durnil and Traci Earhart, Cherished grandmother of Dylan, Brooklyn, Jett, Caroline and James.Her sister, Gail (Barry) Herschman, and her brother, Gary (Sandi) Freeman M.D. Her son, Kevin, predeceased her.

Riki was loved deeply by all her friends, with several considering her to be their best friend.

She was a caretaker and nurturer to all who knew her. Her heartfelt conversations and listening ear will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Berkowitz-Kumin Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.Interment Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at 2202 Acacia Park Dr. Lyndhurst, Ohio (Community room) FRIDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES AND INTERMENT UNTIL 4:30PM.

Friends who wish may contribute to The Gathering Place or the Jewish Family Service Association /Cleveland

Friends who are unable to attend may view the service by going to BKBMC.COM on Friday November 6, at 11:00 AM. Scroll down to the Riki Schaefer obituary, and click on her obituary. Scroll down to join livestream, and click on join livestream.