Obituary of Frances Reifschneider

Frances Refischneider, our angel in human form, transitioned peacefully on
January 13, 2020 from complications due to a stroke. Our mother, Fran, was the
most loving mother we could have ever asked for as her daughter and son. She
loved so deeply and unconditionally. Her love of her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, and all of her extended family gave her so much joy. Family
was the most important thing in our mother’s life. Fran was truly an angel in
human form, having touched so many people. A healer and truly bright spirit,
she changed and inspired all those that were fortunate enough to be blessed by
her presence and love. Always joyous, accepting, and giving of herself
unconditionally, her radiance was undeniable. She lived by three simple
principles: know there is a higher power, love your family, and be kind to all.
Fran lived a rich and fulfilling life. She had several careers in her life and worked
hard to make a better life for her family. After nearly 28 years at Quinn Company
in Salinas, she started her own healing practice where she helped so many find
peace and direction in their lives. Beside her love of family, she had many
different passions such as dancing and travel. She loved to travel. She lived in
Europe with her first husband, Stan and her family for several years when we
were young. After marrying her second husband, Sam, she enjoyed many years
of traveling, water skiing, camping and the outdoors with her family. And, in her
last few years, she enjoyed swing dancing and traveling with her “sweetie” Tab.
Her greatest joy next to family was her faith and she worked tirelessly to help
people heal and find their spiritual truth never judging or preaching just helping
people find their own path to a higher power. A long time member of Unity of
Monterey, an omni faith ministries honoring all spiritual paths, she participated in
many events and created many lasting friendships through that bond.
Fran preceded her first husband, Stan Graves, and her second husband, Sam
Reifschneider and is survived by her daughter Debbie Thoits, son Steven
Graves, son-in-law Jim Thoits, daughter-in-law Paddy Easton Graves, her
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister in spirit Bonnie David, her sister
Mary Stabley, and many other beloved family members.
A memorial gathering of her closest family and closest friends is planned for
February 29. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in our mother’s
memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley CA 95066
or Cabrillo College Stroke Center at 6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos CA 95003.