Leslie Freitas, age 67, of Hereford, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with Father Nicholas Gerber officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford, Texas. Visitation will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a rosary at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Born on September 27, 1958, in Bellflower, California, to Frank G. and Isaltina Silva, Leslie brought light, warmth, and joy into every chapter of her life. She married the love of her life, Joe Freitas, on July 27, 1985, in California. Together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, faith, and adventure. In 2006, they made Hereford their home after moving from Riverside, California.
Leslie’s greatest pride was her family. She poured her heart into raising her two daughters and supporting her husband, always offering love, strength, and cheerful encouragement. She was a woman whose presence made any place feel like home.
A faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Leslie lived her faith through service. She volunteered with the Hereford Senior Citizens, Meals on Wheels, the Hereford Food Pantry, and Great Plains CASA for Kids—always ready to lend a helping hand, a warm smile, or a compassionate ear.
She and Joe shared a love for traveling and exploring in their travel trailer, collecting memories from every road they traveled. Leslie was happiest near the water— especially the beach—and she never turned down good seafood or a plate of her favorite Chinese food.
Her family lovingly remembers her remarkable culinary talent: her famous Portuguese Coconut Queijadas, her delicious home-cooked meals, and her ability to bring people together through food. She also had a magical touch with plants, tending to her flower garden with patience and joy. Leslie adored her loyal dogs, the late Bella and Smokey, her loyal dachshund and guard dog who were always by her side. Her grandchildren will forever treasure the moments spent crafting, creating, and laughing with their cherished Avó Leslie.
Leslie Freitas was the heart of her family—a loving wife, devoted mother, joyful grandmother, and caring sister. Her sparkling spirit, contagious laughter, and boundless generosity touched everyone who had the blessing of knowing her. Her absence leaves a profound emptiness, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in all who love her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Joe Freitas, of Hereford, Texas; her two beautiful daughters, Kathleen Bratton and her husband Joshua of Whitewright, Texas, and Christine Miller and her husband Jacob of Hereford, Texas; her grandchildren, Bailey and Thomas Bratton; and her siblings Marlene Vieira (Manuel) of Norco, CA, Frank Silva (Richelle) of Corona, CA, Eileen Pintado of Rhode Island, Beverly Silva of CA, Betty Mendes of Roswell, New Mexico, Nancy Carl (Andy) of Visalia, CA, and Desiree Silva of CA, along with numerous nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jimmy Silva; and her sister, Airleen Silva. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
To leave condolences or share memories, please visit the online guestbook at www.mendezandmullins. com.