Anna Rica Barrett

Anna Rica Barrett passed away peacefully at her beloved Windfall Farm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 with her friend Angie Pope and her beloved pets, Snow and Leo, by her side. Rica was born in Savannah, Georgia on December 16, 1944, and grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. After early days as a ballerina and debutante, she became a passionate equestrian -- her stable was the first in Ponte Vedra, and there are many snapshots of the proud young horsewoman growing up in the saddle. Rica spent a lively childhood at the beach, in the stable, and on the family farm in Middleburg, riding horses with her father and her younger brother, Dicky. After graduating from Duncan U. Fletcher High School, she matriculated at Stephens College and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1967. Rica lived expansively: she was a favorite middle school English teacher in Knoxville. Drawn to politics, she worked in Washington for the campaigns of Senator Al Gore, Sr. and Edmund Muskie's 1972 primary bid. Her love of government and politics led her to Tallahassee, where she worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Throughout her life, she was an avowed news junkie, following politics like a sport. A lifelong Democrat, Rica nevertheless had a talent for making friends across the political spectrum. Rica filled her home with plants before she opened The Nature Factory in Governor’s Square Mall in 1980. The business’s success required a move to a cottage on Gadsden Street, where visitors marveled at its holiday displays. True to both her entrepreneurial spirit and her love of horses, in 1991, she created Windfall Farm, breeding prizewinning quarter horses and becoming a vibrant member of Tallahassee's equestrian community. The farm was Rica's sanctuary. There, her world was filled with horses, a coterie of dogs and cats, the surrounding wildlife, a greenhouse, and countless dear friends from all walks of life. She also rescued many animals, among them her faithful donkey, Truman. Rica was predeceased by her father, Richard A. Altobellis, Sr.; her stepmother, Frizzell Whiddon Altobellis; and her brother, Richard A. Altobellis, Jr. She is survived by her niece, Angelina Altobellis (Drew Johnson); nephew, Tony Altobellis; sister-in-law, Linda Altobellis; David Barrett, dear friend; numerous cousins; and many grieving friends. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who ensured that Rica lived her best life: Meika Rivera, Angie Pope, Sheri Thomas, and Michele Phillips. They are also endlessly grateful to "Team Rica" who, with Meika, Angie, Sheri, and Michele, were Rica's fiercest friends and advocates. A graveside service for family and close friends will take place at H. Warren Smith Cemetery in Jacksonville Beach on Wednesday, March 5 at noon, followed by a celebration of life at Windfall Farm on Saturday, March 8 at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to Leon County Humane Society. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Anna Rica Barrett

December 16, 1944 - February 25, 2025