Fredalene "Freddie" Simas

Longtime Yreka resident Fredalene "Freddie" Simas passed away at her home on December 12th, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. Freddie was born to Frank and Louise Sargent at her grandparent's farmhouse in Jay, Oklahoma on September 27, 1936. Joining the family over the next twelve years were two brothers and two sisters. Freddie's dad was a carpenter by trade, so there were several moves to different Oklahoma locations and for a short period of time to Charleston, West Virginia. In the early forties they settled in Tulsa where her dad worked for Douglas and Spartan Aircraft companies during the war years. During the 1950's her dad made several trips to Edgewood, CA, to go deer hunting with his cousin. He fell in love with the area and there was a lot of construction in the Yreka area at the time, so in 1953 he moved the family to California, settled in Yreka and worked on the new courthouse which was under construction at that time. Freddie attended her senior year at Yreka High and graduated in 1954. Shortly after high school Freddie went to work for Pacific Telephone as a telephone operator. During her first year with the phone company she met Harold Simas, a local native, and they married on May 21, 1955. To this union were born four sons, Terry, Jim, Larry and Michael and in 1966 they adopted their beloved daughter Karen, at the age of six weeks. When their first son, Terry was a little over a year old Freddie left the telephone company to fulfill her desire to be a stay-at-home mom. Over the years she was not only mom to their five children, she had her own day-care where she cared for dozens of children for approximately 13 years. In 1974 she ended her day-care business and went to work for the Siskiyou County Superintendent of Schools. In 1987 she retired as Administrative Secretary of Special Education. Not only was her family a great joy in Freddie's life, her life as a Christian and member of Yreka First Southern Baptist church for more than 60 years brought her much joy. Freddie served for six years as chairman of Yreka Christian Women's Club and Yreka Christian Business Women's Club when they were active in Yreka, served as president of the Women's Missionary Union in the local church and was president of the Shasta Baptist Women's Missionary Union for a year. She served as Sunday School teacher for many years, children's classes through adult levels, served on various church committees and served as church treasurer for 55 plus years. She loved the church and the ministries of the church, one of her favorites being the ladies' Bible study she led for many years in her home. Other joys in Freddie's life were interior decorating, crafts and gardening. It was always fun to find something old and change it into something for the home, garden or a craft. For a few years after retirement she and Harold would travel to craft shows to sell her various creations. Because of her love for gardening, their yards were used on several occasions for weddings, parties, women's teas and a place for different organizations to have a summer picnic. The gardens were not only filled with flowers, but with many items brought in by family members and friends. Whether an old washing machine or bathtub, they were soon planted with flowers for everyone to enjoy. Freddie believed everything she had, tea pots and cups, antique dishes, and their home, were gifts from God and were to be enjoyed by everyone. Many times they were loaned out for someone else to use for an event or used at home for family gatherings or other groups for a special occasion. Freddie was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Louise Sargent; husband, Harold Simas; sons, James "Jim" and Terry Simas; sister, Lillian Belle Sargent; and brother, Donald "Donnie" Sargent. She is survived by daughter-in-law, Susan Simas (Terry); sons, Larry Simas (Karen) and Michael Simas (Beverly); daughter, Karen Magdaleno (Tony); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine Vallo (Dave); and brother, Harold "Buddy" Sargent (Brenda). A Living Memorial celebration for Freddie was held at her home in Yreka earlier this year. Memorial contributions in memory of Freddie may be made to: Madrone Hospice, 225 Collier Circle, Yreka CA 96097 / Heart Talk, Inc, 807 South St, Yreka CA 96097 / Choices Yreka, PO Box 1355, Mt Shasta CA 96067.

Fredalene "Freddie" Simas

September 27, 1936 - December 12, 2021