Frances Marie Freitas

Frances Marie (Finigan) Freitas, lovingly known as "Sunny" or "Fran", passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 at Eden Hospital in Castro Valley at the age of 81. Fran, a long-time resident of Hayward was surrounded by her devoted daughters, Karen and Kristine Freitas during her final moments.
Born in San Francisco in 1943 to Frances Marie (Noonan) Finigan and Harry Aloysius Finigan. Fran was a cherished addition to the Finigan family. She grew up with four younger siblings: Kathleen (Finigan) McNeil, twins Mary (Finigan) Cavellini & Harry Finigan and Joseph Finigan. She attended St. Monica's grammar school before graduating from Star of the Sea High School in 1961.
Fran and Kenneth Freitas married in 1965. Their courtship started after meeting at a dance in San Francisco in the St. Francis Hotel. Their loving marriage spanned over 54 years until Ken's passing in February 2019. Together they raised their daughters Karen Diane Freitas of Hayward and Kristine Dawn Freitas of Fremont. Fran took great joy in being a mother by volunteering at school activities and cheering enthusiastically for her daughters' at their softball games. These softball games were a family affair with Ken coaching many of his daughters' teams.
In 1966 Fran found her professional calling at Mervyn's department store. Over her 43 years of service at Mervyn's she ultimately became the beloved Lead Receptionist at the corporate office in Hayward and was known as "the voice of Mervyn's" also while being recognized for her warmth and exceptional customer service. Welcoming all customers and employees with a warm smile and personalized greeting. Fran kept a long lasting correspondence with founder Mervyn Morris until his passing at the age of 101 years.
Frances, a devout St. Joachim's Catholic Church parishioner, was dedicated to her beloved faith and shared kindness with all who knew her. Fran will be fondly remembered for loving her Irish ethnicity and culture. May the memories of her gregarious personality and boundless compassion be fondly remembered and bring comfort to all who were blessed to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Hayward Animal Shelter. Both charities held a special place in Fran's heart expressing her love and compassion for children and animals.
Services: A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd at Holy Sepulchre Funeral Center in St, Michael Chapel, Hayward at 6:30 PM. Visitation from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 23 at St. Joachim's Church in Hayward at 11:30 AM.