It is with deepest sadness and shock that we announce the passing of beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend, Lacey Reynolds Freitas. Lacey was 39 years young. Our hearts will never be the same.
Lacey was born July 20, 1983 in Modesto, CA to Bruce and Sheryl Reynolds. She left us too soon on July 27, 2022, in Oakdale, CA. Lacey dedicated her life to shaping and caring for young children. She took an after-school job at a daycare when she was 17 and fell in love with molding young minds. When she graduated Oakdale High School in 2001, she decided she would dedicate her career to childcare. In April of 2002, with her grandmother, Antoinette, she opened an in-home daycare and preschool, Kidhaus Childcare; she was just 19 years old. She spent 20 years serving her community by pouring love and light into hundreds of local children. She was a firm believer in learning through play, that everyone can use more hugs, and that love should be given freely. Through childcare, she met and made many lifelong friends. She often hired mothers so that they could work while having babies themselves. She hired friends, new and old; she supported and became a mentor to others wishing to open their own facilities. She never saw anyone as competition. She was always the person who showed she cared by doing. She was the person who would show up for you, whether it was to celebrate achievements and new life, or to walk you through hard times and sadness. Her smile radiated like the sun and her heart was big and made of gold.
Lacey always wanted a family of her own. In 2009, she met her husband, Tony, and as their relationship blossomed, she was blessed as a bonus mom to his son, Michael. Michael quickly became the most important person in her life. Her dream of being a mom had become a reality. She showered him with love and was his biggest fan and supporter, whether that be at home, in the classroom or on the athletic field. Being his mom was her proudest achievement.
Lacey is preceded in death by her grandparents Thurman and Modena Reynolds, Ronald Williams, Harold Conklin, Evelyn Pierce, and Tony Alvernaz. She is survived by husband Tony Freitas and son Michael Freitas; parents Bruce and Sheryl Reynolds; grandmothers Antionette Conklin, Mary Ann Alvernaz; sister Amanda Phelps; brother Branden Reynolds (Chandra); nieces Aubrey and Emilee Mello, Marianna Cabrillo, and Tegan Reynolds who meant the world to Auntie Lacey. Lacey loved family time, a gathering of friends, the Giants and the Niners; her favorite moments were spent with friends and family, especially at the beach in flip flops. She never wore shoes if it could be helped.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 28, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Blossom Ranch in Oakdale, CA. In her honor, the family is requesting that those who attend wear flip flops. Lacey’s biggest passion was her love for children, for this reason we kindly request that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Modesto Children’s Museum in her honor.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Aug. 24, 2022
