Friederike Hess Machilek, 87, of Raleigh, NC passed away at home surrounded by family on January 16, 2021 after a brave battle with cancer. She was born in Vienna, Austria on December 25, 1933. Known as Friedl or Rikki to coworkers and friends, she was a kindergarten teacher in Vienna before moving to Canada, then settling in the U.S., where she and her husband raised four productive children. After being a busy stay at home mom to her four very active children, she rejoined the workforce. Friedl worked in retail and for the City of Raleigh. She then had a successful career with Sheraton Hotels holding managerial roles at the former Raleigh call center including account management for Sheraton Nile Cruises, and initiatives in Tokyo and the eastern U.S. She was an accomplished professional and made many lifelong friends along the way. Friedl enjoyed knitting, crochet and sewing. She was an avid gardener, a pastime, she, and her husband enjoyed together. Friedl was an active volunteer with the N.C. Extension Master Gardener program as well as with the N.C. State Arboretum. Friedl enjoyed time with her many friends and neighbors, participating in book club and numerous social activities. She cooked wonderful dinners for family events, and her home was always open and welcoming. Friedl leaves behind her devoted husband of 67 years, Rudolf Machilek, children, son Rudi M. Machilek (Gail), daughters Monica Sweeney (Craig), Yvonne Johnson (Murray) and Susan Boone (David), grandchildren, Rudi J. Machilek (Brooke), Heather Ange (Wesley), Tyler Sweeney (Courtney), Colin Sweeney (Jacqueline), Brice Sweeney, Taylor Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Matthew Boone, Allison Boone, and five great grandchildren. A mass will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church for immediate family on January 27, 2021. For everyone’s safety, a memorial celebration will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Friedl’s name to the Wake County SPCA, 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603, or St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church , 12333 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614.